2-thioindoles (selenoindoles) and related disulfides (selenides) which inhibit protein tyrosine kinases and which have antitumor properties

ABSTRACT

2-Thioindoles (2-selenoindoles) and analogous 2-indolinethione (2-indolineselenone) and polysulfide (selenide) compounds, salts thereof, methods of production, intermediates in their production, pharmaceutical compositions containing said compounds, and methods for inhibiting protein kinase dependent disease in a mammal or treating aberrant cell growth in a mammal, using said compositions, are disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of application U.S. Ser. No. 926,015, filed Aug. 6, 1992, now abandoned.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to substituted 2-thioindoles (selenoindoles) and other related compounds, which we have unexpectedly found to be potent inhibitors of the epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase (EGF-TK) and other protein tyrosine kinases, and which show antitumor activity. The invention also relates to use of the compounds as inhibitors of protein tyrosine kinases and as antitumor agents.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Protein phosphorylation is a critical mechanism for regulating protein function in the signal transduction pathway in normal and transformed cells. Protein tyrosine kinases (PTK) are an important class of phosphorylating enzymes which mediate this signalling and thereby regulate cell growth and proliferation. PTKs catalyze the transfer of the terminal phosphate from ATP to the phenol of tyrosine in substrate proteins. Some growth factor receptors, protooncogenes and oncogene products possess PTK activity. The overexpression or inappropriate expression of normal or mutant kinases can result in the loss of growth control and the unregulated cell proliferation associated with malignancy. Small molecules which selectively inhibit these enzymes are, therefore, of therapeutic interest as mediators of cell growth and as antitumor agents.

In some growth factor dependent tumors, the growth factor signal transduction pathway employs the intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity of the growth factor receptor for autophosphorylation and the phosphorylation of specific cellular proteins involved in mitogenesis and cell proliferation. Specific inhibitors of PTKs have been identified previously. It has been previously demonstrated that by uncoupling the PTK from the signal transduction pathway, inhibitors of the growth factor receptor tyrosine kinases result therapeutically in antitumor activity. This antitumor activity has been demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. Most known tyrosine kinase inhibitors are styrene-like small molecules in which the aromatic ring is hydroxylated, resembling tyrosine itself.

For example, the EGF-TK inhibitor erbstatin is reported to inhibit the growth of human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells with an IC₅₀ =3.6 μg/mL (J. Antibiot. 1986;39:170). Erbstatin also inhibits the growth of the human mammary carcinoma MCF-7 and some esophageal tumors in nude mice in a dose-dependent manner (Eur. J. Cancer 1990;26(6):722 and Japanese Patent 03,109,323). Another class of PTK inhibitor called the tyrphostins also potently inhibited the EGF-dependent growth of A431 cells in vitro (J. Med, Chem. 1989;32:2344; J. Med. Chem, 1991;34:1896). The antitumor activity of two tyrphostins has been verified in vivo in nude mice bearing human squamous cell carcinoma MH-85 (Cancer Res, 1991;51:4430). In vitro and in vivo antitumor activity against A431 tumors has also been reported for a series of sulfonylbenzoyl nitrostyrenes (J. Med. Chem. 1991;34:2328) as TK inhibitors (J. Med. Chem. 1991;34:2328 and Helv. Chim. Acta 1992;75:696).

SUMMARY AND DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In one aspect, the invention relates to 2-thioindole (selenoindoles) and other related compounds that are potent inhibitors of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase and other protein tyrosine kinases, and which have antitumor activity. Thus, the compounds are useful in dosage form as inhibitors of protein tyrosine kinases and as antitumor agents.

More particularly, the invention comprises 2-thioindole, 2-indolinethione, polysulfide, 2-selenoindole, 2-indolineselenone, and selenide compounds represented by the general Formulas I, IV, and XXXII ##STR1## and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein

R₁ is a member selected from H, halogen, R, OH, OCOR, OR, CF₃, NO₂, NH₂, NHR, COOH, CONHR, (CH₂)_(n) OH, (CH₂)_(n) OR, (CH₂)_(n) NH₂, (CH₂)_(n) NHR, and (CH₂)_(n) NRR, and further represents replacement in the ring of 1 or 2 ring methine (--CH═) atoms with aza(--N═) atoms;

R₂ is a member selected from

C₂₋₄ alkyl,

(CH₂)_(n) COOH,

(CH₂)_(n) COOR,

(CH₂)_(n) COR,

(CH₂)_(n) SO₂ R,

(CH₂)_(n) SO₂ NRR,

(CH₂)_(n) SO₂ NHR,

CH═CHCOOH, ##STR2## (CH₂)_(n) CONH₂, (CH₂)_(n) CONHR,

(CH₂)_(n) CONRR,

(CH₂)_(n) CONHCH₂ Ph,

CONHR,

CONRR,

CONHPh,

COY,

COPhCOOH,

COPhCOOR,

(CH₂)_(n) CONHPh,

(CH₂)_(n) CONHPhR,

SO₂ Y;

n is an integer from 1 to 4;

R is lower alkyl, preferably C₁₋₄ alkyl;

R₃ is a member selected from H, lower alkyl, and benzyl;

Y represents a benzene, pyridine, thiophene, furan, thiazole, or imidazole ring optionally substituted with a lower alkyl, COOH, OH, OCOR, NH₂, CONHR, CONRR, OR, or NHR group; and

R₄ represents SH, S_(o) X, S_(o) Q, SeH, Se_(o) X, and Se_(o) Q, where o is 1, 2, or 3, X is a member selected from H, lower alkyl, benzyl, and benzene, pyridine, thiophene, furan, thiazole, and imidazole rings, and Q is another 2-thioindolyl or 2-selenoindolyl moiety of Formula I provided that the group does not comprise compounds having the names

2-(2-thioxo-3-indolinyl)acetic acid,

2-(1-methyl-2-thioxo-3-indolinyl)acetic acid,

methyl 2-(2-thioxo-3-indolinyl)acetate,

ethyl 2-(1-methyl-2-thioxo-3-indolinyl)acetate,

bis[methylindolinyl-3-acetate-(2)]disulfide,

bis[indolyl-3-acetic acid-(2)]disulfide,

bis[methylindolyl-3-acetate-(2)]trisulfide, and

bis[1-methylindolyl-3-acetic acid-(2)]disulfide.

In another aspect, the invention relates to indolinethione compounds of the above Formula IV which exist as tautomers of compounds of Formula I wherein R₄ represents SH or indolineselenone compounds of the above Formula XXXII which exist as tautomers of compounds of Formula I wherein R₄ represents SeH. The invention comprises the thione or selenone compounds in their racemic and optical isomer forms. The thione or selenone compounds produced in the (±) form can be resolved as their (+) and (-) enantiomorphic optical isomers by per se art-recognized conventional means such as fractional crystallization of salts formed from optically active acids, separation of the isomers by chiral chromatography, or the chiral catalytic reduction of precursors.

In another aspect, the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions useful for inhibition of protein tyrosine kinases and for antitumor activity containing as an active agent in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier a therapeutically effective amount of a compound selected from 2-thioindole, 2-indolinethione, polysulfide, 2-selenoindole, 2-indolineselenone or selenide compounds represented by the above Formulas I, IV, and XXXII and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein

R₁ is a member selected from H, halogen, R, OH, OCOR, OR, CF₃, NO₂, NH₂, NHR, COOH, CONHR, (CH₂)_(n) OH, (CH₂)_(n) OR, (CH₂)_(n) NH₂, (CH₂)_(n) NHR, and (CH₂)_(n) NRR, and further represents replacement in the ring of 1 or 2 ring methine (--CH═) atoms with aza(--N═) atoms;

R₂ is a member selected from

lower alkyl, preferably C₁₋₄ alkyl,

(CH₂)_(n) COOH,

(CH₂)_(n) COOR,

(CH₂)_(n) COR,

(CH₂)_(n) SO₂ R,

(CH₂)_(n) SO₂ NRR,

(CH₂)_(n) SO₂ NHR,

CH═CHCOOH, ##STR3## (CH₂)_(n) CONH₂, (CH₂)_(n) CONHR,

(CH₂)_(n) CONRR,

(CH₂)_(n) CONHCH₂ Ph,

CONHR,

CONRR,

CONHPh,

COY,

COPhCOOH,

COPhCOOR,

(CH₂)_(n) CONHPh,

(CH₂)_(n) CONHPhR,

SO₂ Y;

n is an integer from 1 to 4;

R is lower alkyl, preferably C₁₋₄ alkyl;

R₃ is a member selected from H, lower alkyl and benzyl;

Y represents a benzene, pyridine, thiophene, furan, thiazole, or imidazole ring optionally substituted with a lower alkyl, COOH, OH, OCOR, NH₂, CONHR, CONRR, OR, or NHR group; and

R₄ represents SH, S_(o) X, S_(o) Q, SeH, Se_(o) X, and Se_(o) Q, where o is 1, 2, or 3, X is a member selected from H, lower alkyl, benzyl, and benzene, pyridine, thiophene, furan, thiazole, and imidazole rings, and Q is another 2-thioindolyl or 2-selenoindolyl moiety of Formula I.

The invention comprises salt compounds formed by the basic or acidic thioindole compounds of the invention which form pharmaceutically acceptable salts with both organic and inorganic acids and/or organic and inorganic bases. Examples of suitable acids for salt formation are hydrochloric, sulfuric, phosphoric, acetic, citric, oxalic, malonic, salicylic, malic, fumaric, succinic, ascorbic, maleic, methanesulfonic, isethionic, and the like. Examples of suitable bases for salt formation are sodium and potassium carbonate, sodium and potassium hydroxide, ammonia, triethylamine, triethanolamine, and the like.

The compounds of Formulas I, IV, and XXXII can be prepared by the processes described in the following Reaction Schemes 1-11. ##STR4##

In Scheme 1, R₁ -R₃ are as designated for Formula I. Oxidation of 3-substituted indoles II in DMSO/HCl gives good yields of 3-substituted indolin-2-ones III which are thiated (preferably with P₂ S₅ and NaHCO₃ or Na₂ CO₃) to yield 3-substituted 2-indolinethiones IV. These compounds can be converted to the corresponding disulfides V by treatment with mild oxidizing agents (e.g., FeCl₃), and also undergo spontaneous oxidation to V in solution in air. ##STR5##

In Scheme 2, R₁ -R₃ are as designated for Formula I. Treatment of 3-substituted indoles II with S₂ Cl₂ gives mixtures of dimeric sulfides VI, where n=1-3. These can be separated by chromatography, or more conveniently reduced to 2-indolinethiones IV with a mild reducing agent (preferably NaBH₄). ##STR6##

In Scheme 3, R₁ -R₃ are as designated for Formula I, and R represents (CH₂)_(n) COOH, (CH₂)_(n) COOX, (CH₂)_(n) CONHX, (CH₂)_(n) SO₂ X, or (CH₂)_(n) SO₂ NX, where n is from 0 to 4, and X is as designated for Formula I. Treatment of 2-indolinones VII with diesters gives moderate yields of the isatylidene compounds VIII, which can be hydrogenated under acidic conditions to the 3-substituted indolin-2-ones III. Treatment of these as in Scheme 1 gives the desired compounds. ##STR7##

In Scheme 4, R₁ -R₄, R and X are as designated for Formula I (except that X is not H). The ring-substituted oxindoles can be prepared by lithiation of the appropriately substituted ortho-toluidine derivatives, using CO₂ as both the N-protecting group and electrophile (Katritzky, Fan, Akutagawa, Wang, Heterocycles 1990;30:407). 2-Indolinones VII are thiated (preferably with P₂ S₅ and NaHCO₃ or Na₂ CO₃) to yield 2-indolinethiones IX. These compounds are deprotonated (typically with NaH in THF), and treated with an isocyanate to give 3-substituted 2-indolinethiones IV (where R₂ =CONHX). These compounds can be converted to the corresponding disulfides V as described in Scheme 1. The 3-substituted 2-indolinethiones IV can also react with alkylating agents (typically alkyl halides R-halogen) to give (X: where R₄ =X). Reaction of V with XSH gives mixed disulfides (XI: where R₄ =SSX). ##STR8##

In Scheme 5, R₁ and R₃ are as designated for Formula I and Y represents lower alkyl or a benzene, pyridine, thiophene, furan, thiazole, or imidazole ring, optionally substituted with a lower alkyl, COOH, OH, NH₂, CONHR, OR, O, or NHR group. 2-Sulfonylmethyl anilines XII are treated sequentially with n-butyllithium and CS₂, to give the disulfides XIII, which can be reduced to 2-indolinethiones XIV with a mild reducing agent (preferably NaBH₄). ##STR9##

In Scheme 6, R₁ and R₃ are as designated for Formula I. Deprotonation of substituted 2-indolinethiones IX (typically with NaH in THF), followed by treatment with an acyl azide, gives 3-acyl-substituted 2-indolinethiones XV, where R₅ represents H, lower alkyl, benzyl, or a benzene, pyridine, thiophene, furan, thiazole, or imidazole ring optionally substituted with a COOH, OH, NH₂, CONHR, OR, NHR, or NRR group. Compounds XV can be converted into the disulfides XVI on mild oxidation (typically by treatment with I₂ or H₂ O₂). ##STR10##

In Scheme 7, R is as designated for Formula I. Substituted aromatic and heteroaromatic acids (e.g., XVII) are converted to the corresponding acid chlorides (preferably with SOCl₂), and then to the corresponding acyl azides (e.g., XVIII) with NaN₃. Rearrangement to give the isocyanates (e.g., XIX) is carried out in an inert solvent (preferably toluene or xylene). These isocyanates (e.g., XIX) are converted to the disulfides (XX) by reaction with the sodium salt of 1-methyl-2-indolinethiones as outlined in Scheme 4. In suitable cases, hydrolysis of esters (XX; R=COOMe) with a mild base (preferably K₂ CO₃) gives the corresponding acids (XX; R=COOH). ##STR11##

In Scheme 8, R₁ and R₂ are as designated for Formula I, and R₆ and R₇ are individually H, lower alkyl, benzyl, or a benzene ring optionally substituted with up to two of the groups COOH, OH, NH₂, CONHR, OR, NHR, or NRR. 2-Chloro-1-methylindole-3-carbonyl chloride, prepared either from indolin-2-one and COCl₂ or from 2-chloro-1-methylindole-3-carboxylic acid (XXI) and SOCl₂, is reacted with amines HNR₆ R₇ or their salts, in an inert solvent (preferably 1,2-dichloroethane or CH₂ Cl₂) and a base, if necessary, to give the amides (XXII). These compounds are heated with MeSLi in polar aprotic solvents (preferably dimethylacetamide) in an inert atmosphere to give intermediate thiol carboxamides, which are oxidized, (preferably with H₂ O₂) to give the desired disulfides (V). ##STR12##

In Scheme 9, R₁, R₂, R₃, and R are as designated for Formula I. Reaction of acid chloride (XXIII) with amines gives amides (XXIV), where R₈ represents H, lower alkyl, benzyl, or a benzene ring optionally substituted with up to two of the groups COOH, OH, NH₂, CONHR, OR, NHR, or NRR. Compounds (XXIV) can be converted to 2-thioindoles (XXV) by lithiation and quenching with methyl sulfide, followed by base hydrolysis (preferably with K₂ CO₃ ). The 2-thioindoles (XXV) can be converted to the desired disulfides (V) by dealkylation (preferably with lithium thiomethoxide) and mild oxidation (preferably with I₂ or H₂ O₂). Compounds (XXV) can also be alkylated with an alkyl halide (e.g., R₉ Cl), where R₉ represents lower alkyl, benzyl, or benzyl optionally substituted with up to two of the groups COOH, OH, NH₂, CONHR, OR, NHR, or NRR, and a base (preferably K₂ CO₃). ##STR13##

In Scheme 10, R₁ is as designated for Formula I and R₆ and R₇ are individually H₁ lower alkyl, benzyl, or a benzene ring optionally substituted with up to two of the groups COOH, OH, NH₂, CONHR, OR, NHR, or NRR. R₃ is H or lower alkyl, and X=any halogen, preferably bromine or chlorine. Substituted 2-halo-3-indole carboxylic acids XXVII, prepared by oxidation of corresponding substituted 3-carboxaldehydes, are reacted with amines HNR₆ R₇ or their salts in an inert solvent (preferably 1,2-dichloroethane or CH₂ Cl₂) and a base, if necessary, to give the amides XXX. These compounds are reacted with MeSeLi in polar aprotic solvents (preferably dimethylacetamide) to give intermediate selenol carboxamides, which are oxidized with H₂ O₂ or NaBO₄ to give the desired diselenides XXIX. Alternatively, intermediate XXX, where R₃ =H, can be reacted with a haloalkyl amine, or its salt, where Q=Cl, Br, I (preferably Cl) and R₈, R₉ are as defined in Formula I, but preferably R₈ and R₉ are H, alkyl, cycloalkyl, and n=1-4 in a polar solvent (preferably acetone) and anhydrous metal carbonate (preferably cesium carbonate) to give intermediate XXXI which is converted to diselenide XXIX as described above for intermediate XXX. Additionally, intermediate acid XXVII can be converted to the substituted 2-halo-3-indole carboxylic acid tertiary butyl ester XXVIII, which can be further reacted with MeSeLi as described above for intermediate XXX to give the target substituted diselenide XXIX where R₂ =COO-tertiarybutyl. ##STR14##

In Scheme 11, R_(1-R) ₃ are as designated for Formula I. Treatment of 3-substituted indoles II with Se₂ Cl₂ gives the diselenide XXIX.

As indicated, the compounds of this invention that are basic can form acidic salts and those that are acidic can form basic salts. All such salts are within the scope of this invention and they can be prepared by conventional methods. For example, they can be prepared simply be contacting the acidic and basic entities, usually in a stoichiometric ratio, in either an aqueous, nonaqueous or partially aqueous medium, as appropriate. The salts are recovered either by filtration, by precipitation followed by filtration, by evaporation of the solvent, or in the case of aqueous solutions, by lyophilization, as appropriate.

The compounds of this invention are readily adapted to therapeutic use for the control of tyrosine kinase dependent diseases in mammals. Tyrosine kinase dependent diseases comprise hyperproliferative disorders which are initiated and/or maintained by aberrant tyrosine kinase enzyme activity. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors can therefore have beneficial therapeutic effects against aberrant cell growth disorders such as various cancers, atherosclerosis, angiogenesis (tumor growth/metastasis, diabetic retinopathy, for example), viral diseases (HIV infections, for example), and the like.

Tyrosine kinase dependent diseases further comprise cardiovascular diseases which are related to aberrant tyrosine kinase enzyme activity. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors can therefore have beneficial therapeutic effects against such cardiovascular diseases as restenosis. It should be understood that restenosis is an example of a cardiovascular disease which is dependent upon tyrosine kinase; one skilled in the art, however, will be aware of other examples of cardiovascular diseases which are dependent upon tyrosine kinase.

The compounds are administered either orally or parenterally, or topically as eye drops, in dosages ranging from about 0.1 to 10 mg/kg of body weight per day in single or divided doses. Of course, in particular situations, at the discretion of the attending physician, doses outside of this range will be used.

The compounds of this invention can be administered in a side variety of different dosage forms, i.e., they may be combined with various pharmaceutically acceptable inert carriers in the form of tablets, capsules, lozenges, troches, hard candies, powders, sprays, elixirs, syrups, injectable or eye drop solution, and the like. Such carriers include solid diluents or fillers, sterile aqueous media, and various nontoxic organic solvents.

For purposes of oral administration, tablets containing various excipients such as sodium citrate, calcium carbonate, and calcium phosphate are employed along with various disintegrants such as starch and preferably potato or tapioca starch, alginic acid, and certain complex silicates, together with binding agents such as polyvinylpyrrolidone, sucrose, gelatin, and acacia. Additionally, lubrication agents such as magnesium stearate, sodium lauryl sulfate, and talc are often very useful for tableting purposes. Solid compositions of similar type are also employed as fillers in soft- and hard-filled gelatin capsules; preferred materials in this connection also include lactose or milk sugar as well as high molecular weight polyethylene glycols. When aqueous suspensions and/or elixirs are desired for oral administration, the essential active ingredient therein can be combined with various sweetening agents, flavoring agents, coloring agents, emulsifying agents, and/or suspending agents as well as such diluents as water, ethanol, propylene glycol, glycerin, and various like combinations thereof.

For purposes of parenteral administration, solutions in sesame or peanut oil or in aqueous propylene glycol can be employed, as well as sterile aqueous solutions of the corresponding water soluble, alkali metal, or alkaline earth metal salts previously enumerated. Such aqueous solution should be suitably buffered, if necessary, and the liquid diluent first rendered isotonic with sufficient saline or glucose. These particular aqueous solutions are suitable for intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous and intraperitoneal injection purposes. In this connection, the sterile aqueous media employed are all readily obtainable by standard techniques well known to those skilled in the art.

For purposes of topical administration, dilute sterile, aqueous solutions (usually in about 0.1% to 5% concentration), otherwise similar to the above parenteral solutions, are prepared in containers suitable for dropwise administration to the eye.

In a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, the weight ratio of carrier to active ingredient will normally be in the range from 1:4 to 4:1, and preferably 1:2 to 2:1. However, in any given case, the ratio chosen will depend on such factors as the solubility of the active component, the dosage contemplated and the precise route of administration.

The following Table 1 sets out physical data for 137 compounds within the general Formula I, representative of it, and preparable by the processes of the invention.

                                      TABLE 1                                      __________________________________________________________________________        For-                                        Molecular                       No.                                                                               mula                                                                              R.sub.1                                                                            R.sub.2          R.sub.3                                                                               X   mp (°C.)                                                                         Formula  Analysis.sup.a         __________________________________________________________________________      ##STR15##                                                                      1 A  H   CH.sub.2 COOH    H      H     166-168                                                                               C.sub.10 H.sub.9 NO.sub.2                                                      S         known.sup.d            2 A  H   CH.sub.2 COOH    Me     H     150-153                                                                               C.sub.11 H.sub.11 NO.sub.2                                                     S        known.sup.d             3 A  H   CH.sub.2 COOMe   H      H     150-152                                                                               C.sub.11 H.sub.11 NO.sub.2                                                     S        C,H,N,S.sup.e           4 A  H   CH.sub.2 COOMe   Me     H     68-70  C.sub.12 H.sub.13 NO.sub.2                                                     S        C,H,N,S                 5 A  H   CH.sub.2 COOEt   Me     H     47-48  C.sub.13 H.sub.15 NO.sub.2                                                     S        C,H,N,S.sup.e           6 A  H   CH.sub.2 CONHCH.sub.2 Ph                                                                        H      H     193-195                                                                               C.sub.17 H.sub.10 N.sub.2                                                      OS       C,H,N,S                 7 A  H   (CH.sub.2).sub.2 COOH                                                                           H      H     170-173                                                                               C.sub.11 H.sub.11 NO.sub.2                                                     S        C,H,N                   8 A  H   (CH.sub.2).sub.2 COOH                                                                           Me     H     126-128.5                                                                             C.sub.12 H.sub.13 NO.sub.2                                                     S.       C,H,N,S                                                               0.25H.sub.2 O                    9 A  H   (CH.sub.2).sub.2 COOMe                                                                          H      H    95.5-98 C.sub.12 H.sub.13 NO.sub.2                                                     S        C,H,N,S                 10                                                                               A  H   (CH.sub.2).sub.2 COOEt                                                                          H      H   oil.sup.b                                                                               C.sub.13 H.sub.15 NO.sub.2                                                     S        C,H,N,S                 11                                                                               A  H   (CH.sub.2).sub.2 COOMe                                                                          Me     H     71-73  C.sub.13 H.sub.15 NO.sub.2                                                     S        C,H,N,S                 12                                                                               A  H   (CH.sub.2).sub.2 COOEt                                                                          Me     H     61-63  C.sub.14 H.sub.17 NO.sub.2                                                     S        C,H,N,S                 13                                                                               A  H   (CH.sub.2).sub.2 CONHCH.sub.2 Ph                                                                H      H   149.5-151                                                                               C.sub.18 H.sub.18 NO.sub.2                                                     S.       C,H,N,S                                                               0.5H.sub.2 O                     14                                                                               A  H   (CH.sub.2).sub.2 CONH.sub.2                                                                     H      H     160-163                                                                               C.sub.11 H.sub.12 N.sub.2                                                      OS       C,H,N,S                 15                                                                               A  H   (CH.sub.2).sub.3 COOH                                                                           H      H     132-134                                                                               C.sub.12 H.sub.13 NO.sub.2                                                     S        C,H,N,S                 16                                                                               A  H   (CH.sub.2).sub.3 COOH                                                                           Me     H     144-146.5                                                                             C.sub.13 H.sub.15 NO.sub.2                                                     S.H.sub.2 O                                                                             C,H,N,S                 17                                                                               A  H   (CH.sub.2).sub.3 COOMe                                                                          H      H     109-110                                                                               C.sub.13 H.sub.15 NO.sub.2                                                     S        C,H,N,S                 18                                                                               A  H   (CH.sub.2).sub.3 COOMe                                                                          Me     H      103-106                                                                              C.sub.14 H.sub.17 NO.sub.2                                                     S        C,H,N,S                 19                                                                               A  7-aza                                                                              CONHPh           Me     H     162-164                                                                               C.sub.15 H.sub.13 N.sub.3                                                      O.sub.2 S.                                                                              C,H,N,S                                                               CH.sub.3 OH                      20                                                                               A  5-Cl                                                                               CONHPh           Me     H     312-320                                                                               C.sub.16 H.sub.13 ClN.sub.2                                                     OS      HRMS                    21                                                                               A  H   CONHPh           Me     H     149-151                                                                               C.sub.16 H.sub.14 N.sub.2                                                      OS       C,H,N,S                 22                                                                               A  H   CONHPh           Me     Me    116-118                                                                               C.sub.17 H.sub.16 N.sub.2                                                      OS       C,H,N,S                 23                                                                               A  H   CONHPh           Me     CH.sub.2 Ph                                                                          144-146                                                                               C.sub.23 H.sub.20 N.sub.2                                                      OS.sub.2 C,H,N,S                 24                                                                               A  H   COPh             Me     H     130-132                                                                               C.sub.16 H.sub.13 NOS                                                                   C,H,N,S                 25                                                                               A  H   COPhpCOOH        Me     H     282 (dec)                                                                             C.sub.17 H.sub.13 NO.sub.3                                                     S.       C,H,N                                                                 0.25H.sub.2 O                    26                                                                               A  H   COPhpCOOMe       Me     H     164-166                                                                               C.sub.18 H.sub.15 NO.sub.3                                                     S        C,H,N,S                 27                                                                               B  H   CH.sub.2 COOMe   H      --    160-162                                                                               C.sub. 22 H.sub.20 N.sub.2                                                     O.sub.4 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S.sup.f           28                                                                               B  H   CH.sub.2 COOMe   Me     --    130-132.5                                                                             C.sub.24 H.sub.24 N.sub.2                                                      O.sub.4 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                 29                                                                               B  H   CH.sub.2 COOH    H      --    196-199                                                                               C.sub.20 H.sub.16 N.sub.2                                                      O.sub.4 S.sub.2                                                                         known.sup.d             30                                                                               B  H   CH.sub.2 COOH    H      S     199-202                                                                               C.sub.20 H.sub.16 N.sub.2                                                      O.sub.4 S.sub.3                                                                         C,H,N,S                 31                                                                               B  H   CH.sub.2 COOMe   H      S     130-132                                                                               C.sub.22 H.sub.20 N.sub.2                                                      O.sub.4 S.sub.3                                                                         C,H,N,S.sup.f           32                                                                               B  H   CH.sub.2 COOH    Me     --    190-192.5                                                                             C.sub.22 H.sub.20 N.sub.2                                                      O.sub.4 S.sub.2                                                                         known.sup.d             33                                                                               B  H   CH.sub.2 COOEt   Me     --    117-119                                                                               C.sub.26 H.sub.28 N.sub.2                                                      O.sub.4 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                 34                                                                               B  H   CH.sub.2 CONHCHPh                                                                               H      --  200.5-203.5                                                                             C.sub.34 H.sub.30 N.sub.4                                                      O.sub.2 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                 35                                                                               B  H   CH.sub.2 CN      H      --  168.5-169.5                                                                             C.sub.20 H.sub. 14 N.sub.4                                                     S.sub.2  C,H,N,S                                                               (lit ref).sup.g                  36                                                                               B  H   (CH.sub.2).sub.2 COOH                                                                           H      --    118-120.5                                                                             C.sub.22 H.sub.20 N.sub.2                                                      O.sub.4 S.sub.2.                                                                        C,H,N,S                                                               H.sub.2 O                        37                                                                               B  H   (CH.sub.2).sub.2 COOH                                                                           Me     --  158.5-160                                                                               C.sub.24 H.sub.24 N.sub.2                                                      O.sub.4 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                 38                                                                               B  H   (CH.sub.2).sub.2 COOEt                                                                          H      --    137-139                                                                               C.sub.26 H.sub.28 N.sub.2                                                      O.sub.4 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                 39                                                                               B  H   (CH.sub.2).sub.2 COOMe                                                                          H      --  162.5-164                                                                               C.sub.24 H.sub.24 N.sub.2                                                      O.sub.4 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                 40                                                                               B  H   (CH.sub.2).sub.2 COOMe                                                                          Me     --    139-141.5                                                                             C.sub.26 H.sub.28 N.sub.2                                                      O.sub.4 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                 41                                                                               B  5-Me                                                                               (CH.sub.2).sub.2 COOH                                                                           H      --   91.5-95 C.sub.24 H.sub.24 N.sub.2                                                      O.sub.4 S.sub.2                                                                         HRMS.sup.c              42                                                                               B  5-Me                                                                               (CH.sub.2).sub.2 COOEt                                                                          H      --  138.5-139                                                                               C.sub.28 H.sub.32 N.sub.2                                                      O.sub.4 S.sub.2.                                                                        C,H,N,S                                                               0.5C.sub.6 H.sub.6               43                                                                               B  6-Me                                                                               (CH.sub.2).sub.2 COOH                                                                           H      --    126-128                                                                               C.sub.24 H.sub.24 N.sub.2                                                      O.sub.4 S.sub.2.                                                                        C,H,N,S                                                               0.5H.sub.2 O                     44                                                                               B  6-Me                                                                               (CH.sub.2).sub.2 COOEt                                                                          H      --    122-123.5                                                                             C.sub.28 H.sub.32 N.sub.2                                                      O.sub.4 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                 45                                                                               B  7-Me                                                                               (CH.sub.2).sub.2 COOH                                                                           H      --  172.5-175                                                                               C.sub.24 H.sub.24 N.sub.2                                                      O.sub.4 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N                   46                                                                               B  7-Me                                                                               (CH.sub.2).sub.2 COOEt                                                                          H      --    120-122.5                                                                             C.sub.28 H.sub.32 N.sub.2                                                      O.sub.4 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                 47                                                                               B  H   (CH.sub.2).sub.2 CONHCH.sub.2 Ph                                                                H      --    141-144                                                                               C.sub.36 H.sub.34 N.sub.4                                                      O.sub.2 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                 48                                                                               B  H   (CH.sub.2).sub.2 CN                                                                             H      --    167-169                                                                               C.sub.21 H.sub.16 N.sub.4                                                      S.sub.2                                                                        (lit ref).sup.g                  49                                                                               B  H   (CH.sub.2).sub.2 NO.sub.2                                                                       H      --    153-154                                                                               C.sub.20 H.sub.18 N.sub.4                                                      O.sub.4 S.sub.2.                                                                        C,H,N,S                                                               0.5H.sub.2 O                     50                                                                               B  H   (CH.sub.2).sub.2 CONH.sub.2                                                                     H      --    101 (dec)                                                                             C.sub.22 H.sub.22 N.sub.4                                                      O.sub.2 S.sub.2.                                                                        C,H,N,S                                                               0.5H.sub.2 O                     51                                                                               B  H   (CH.sub.2).sub.2 CONHMe                                                                         H      --  162.5-164                                                                               C.sub.24 H.sub.26 N.sub.4                                                      O.sub.2 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                 52                                                                               B  H   (CH.sub.2).sub.2 CONHOMe                                                                        H      --    176-178                                                                               C.sub.24 H.sub.26 N.sub.4                                                      O.sub.4 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                 53                                                                               B  H   (CH.sub.2).sub.2 CONMe.sub.2                                                                    H      --    179-180                                                                               C.sub.26 H.sub.30 N.sub.4                                                      O.sub.2 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                 54                                                                               B  H   (CH.sub.2).sub.2 CONH (CH.sub.2).sub.2 Ph                                                       H      --  oil      C.sub.38 H.sub.38 N.sub.4                                                      O.sub.2 S.sub.2                                                                         HRFABMS                 55                                                                               B  H   (CH.sub.2).sub.2 CONHCH.sub.2 Ph{4-COOMe}                                                       H      --    151-153                                                                               C.sub.40 H.sub.38 N.sub.4                                                      O.sub.6 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                 56                                                                               B  H   (CH.sub.2).sub.2 CONHCH.sub.2 Ph{4-COOH}                                                        H      --  135.5-138.5 (dec)                                                                       C.sub.38 H.sub.34 N.sub.4                                                      O.sub.6 S.sub.2.                                                                        C,H,N,S                                                               H.sub.2 O                        57                                                                               B  H   (CH.sub.2).sub.2 CONHCH.sub.2 Ph{3-OH,                                                          H      --    183-185                                                                               C.sub.40 H.sub.38 N.sub.4                                                      O.sub.8 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                          4-COOMe}                                                              58                                                                               B  H   (CH.sub.2).sub.2 CONHCH.sub.2 Ph{3-OH,                                                          H      --    160-163.5 (dec)                                                                       C.sub.38 H.sub.34 N.sub.4                                                      O.sub.8 S.sub.2.                                                                        C,H,N,S                          4-COOH}                              H.sub.2 O                        59                                                                               B  H   (CH.sub.2).sub.2 CONHPh                                                                         H      --    114 (dec)                                                                             C.sub.34 H.sub.30 N.sub.4                                                      O.sub.2 S.sub.2.                                                                        C,H,N,S                                                               0.5H.sub.2 O                     60                                                                               B1 H   NHAC             H      --    140-144.sup.#  (dec)                                                                  C.sub.40 H.sub.40 N.sub.6                                                      O.sub.4 S.sub.2.                                                                        C,H,N,S                                                               0.5H.sub.2 O                                                      --  154.5-157.5.sup.# (dec)                                                                 C.sub.40 H.sub.40 N.sub.6                                                      O.sub.4 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                 61                                                                               B1 H   NHCOCF.sub.3     H      --    160-164 (dec)                                                                         C.sub.40 H.sub.34 F.sub.6                                                      N.sub.6 O.sub.4 S.sub.2.                                                                C,H,N,S                                                               0.5H.sub.2 O                     62                                                                               B1 H   NH.sub.2         H      --    147-150 (dec)                                                                         C.sub.36 H.sub.36 N.sub.6                                                      O.sub.2 S.sub.2.                                                                        C,H,N,S                                                               0.5H.sub.2 O                     63                                                                               B1 H   OAc              H      --    120-124 (dec)                                                                         C.sub.40 H.sub.34 N.sub.4                                                      O.sub.6 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                 64                                                                               B1 H   OH               H      --    120-125                                                                               C.sub.36 H.sub.34 N.sub.4                                                      O.sub.4 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                 65                                                                               B  H   (CH.sub.2).sub.3 COOH                                                                           H      --    141-143.5                                                                             C.sub.24 H.sub.24 N.sub.2                                                      O.sub.4 S.sub.2.                                                                        C,H,N,S                                                               0.5H.sub.2 O                     66                                                                               B  H   (CH.sub.2).sub.3 COOH                                                                           Me     --  106.6-109.5                                                                             C.sub.26 H.sub.28 N.sub.2                                                      O.sub.4 S.sub.2.                                                                        C,H,N,S                                                               2AcOH                            67                                                                               B  H   (CH.sub.2).sub.3 COOMe                                                                          H      --    91-93  C.sub.26 H.sub.28 N.sub.2                                                      O.sub.4 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                 68                                                                               B  H   (CH.sub.2).sub.3 COOMe                                                                          He     --    112-113                                                                               C.sub.28 H.sub.32 N.sub.2                                                      O.sub.4 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                 69                                                                               B  H   (CH.sub.2).sub.3 CONHCH.sub.2 Ph                                                                H      --   98.5-101                                                                               C.sub.38 H.sub.38 N.sub.4                                                      O.sub.2 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                 70                                                                               B  H   CONHPh           Me     --    187-188                                                                               C.sub.32 H.sub.26 N.sub.4                                                      O.sub.2 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                 71                                                                               B  H   CONHPh           Et     --    200-202                                                                               C.sub.34 H.sub.30 N.sub.4                                                      O.sub.2 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                 72                                                                               B  4-Cl                                                                               CONHPh           Me     --    225-228                                                                               C.sub.32 H.sub.24 Cl.sub.2                                                     N.sub.4 O.sub.2 S.sub.2                                                                 C,H,N,Cl                73                                                                               B  5-Cl                                                                               CONHPh           Me     --    214-216                                                                               C.sub.32 H.sub.24 Cl.sub.2                                                     N.sub.4 O.sub.2 S.sub.2                                                                 C,H,N,S                 74                                                                               B  7-Cl                                                                               CONHPh           Me     --    232-234                                                                               C.sub.32 H.sub.24 Cl.sub.2                                                     N.sub.4 O.sub.2 S.sub.2                                                                 C,H,N,Cl                75                                                                               B  4-Me                                                                               CONHPh           Me     --    237-239                                                                               C.sub.34 H.sub.30 N.sub.4                                                      O.sub.2 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                 76                                                                               B  5-Me                                                                               CONHPh           Me     --    231-234                                                                               C.sub.34 H.sub.30 N.sub.4                                                      O.sub.2 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                 77                                                                               B  6-Me                                                                               CONHPh           Me     --    192-195                                                                               C.sub.34 H.sub.3 ON.sub.4                                                      O.sub.2 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                 78                                                                               B  7-Me                                                                               CONHPh           Me     --    221-223                                                                               C.sub.34 H.sub.3 ON.sub.4                                                      O.sub.2 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                 79                                                                               B  4-OMe                                                                              CONHPh           Me     --    225-228                                                                               C.sub.34 H.sub.3 ON.sub.4                                                      O.sub.2 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                 80                                                                               B  5-OMe                                                                              CONHPh           Me     --    161-164                                                                               C.sub.34 H.sub.3 ON.sub.4                                                      O.sub.2 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                 81                                                                               B  6-OMe                                                                              CONHPh           Me     --    197-200                                                                               C.sub.34 H.sub.3 ON.sub.4                                                      O.sub.2 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                 82                                                                               B  7-OMe                                                                              CONHPh           Me     --    205-206                                                                               C.sub.34 H.sub.3 ON.sub.4                                                      O.sub.2 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                 83                                                                               B  7-aza                                                                              CONHPh           Me     --    197-198                                                                               C.sub.30 H.sub.24 N.sub.6                                                      O.sub.2 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                 84                                                                               B  5-CF.sub.3                                                                         CONHPh           Me     --    214-216                                                                               C.sub.34 H.sub.24 F.sub.6                                                      N.sub.4 O.sub.2 S.sub.2                                                                 C,H,N,S                 85                                                                               B  6-Cl                                                                               CONHPh           Me     --    243-245                                                                               C.sub.32 H.sub.24 Cl.sub.2                                                     N.sub.4 O.sub.2 S.sub.2                                                                 C,H,N,S                 86                                                                               B  5-NO.sub.2                                                                         CONHPh           Me     --    236-240                                                                               C.sub.32 H.sub.24 N.sub.6                                                      O.sub.6 S.sub.2.                                                                        C,H,N                                                                 2H.sub.2 O                       87                                                                               B  5-F CONHPh           Me     --    205-207                                                                               C.sub.32 H.sub.24 F2N.sub.4                                                     O.sub.2 S.sub.2                                                                        C,H,N,S                 88                                                                               B  5-CN                                                                               CONHPh           Me     --    221-224                                                                               C.sub.34 H.sub.24 N.sub.6                                                      O.sub.2 S.sub.2.                                                                        C,H,N,S                                                               0.5H.sub. 2 O                    89                                                                               B  5-Br                                                                               CONHPh           Me     --    219-221                                                                               C.sub.32 H.sub.24 Br.sub.2                                                     N.sub.4 O.sub.2 S.sub.2                                                                 C,H,N,S                 90                                                                               B  4-OAc                                                                              CONHPh           Me     --    194    C.sub.36 H.sub.30 N.sub.4                                                      O.sub.6 S.sub.2                                                                         HRFABMS                 91                                                                               B  5-OAc                                                                              CONHPh           Me     --    147-150                                                                               C.sub.36 H.sub.30 N.sub.4                                                      O.sub.6 S.sub.2.                                                                        C,H,N,S                                                               0.5H.sub.2 O                     92                                                                               B  5-OH                                                                               CONHPh           Me     --    185-187                                                                               C.sub.32 H.sub.26 N.sub.4                                                      O.sub.4 S.sub.2.                                                                        C,H,N                                                                 H.sub.2 O                        93                                                                               B  6-OAc                                                                              CONHPh           Me     --    219-222                                                                               C.sub.36 H.sub.30 N.sub.4                                                      O.sub.6 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                 94                                                                               B  6-OH                                                                               CONHPh           Me     --    185-187                                                                               C.sub.32 H.sub.26 N.sub.4                                                      O.sub.4 S.sub.2                                                                         HRMS                    95                                                                               B  7-OAc                                                                              CONHPh           Me     --    212-214                                                                               C.sub.36 H.sub.30 N.sub.4                                                      O.sub.6 S.sub.2.                                                                        C,H,N,S                                                               0.5H.sub.2 O                     96                                                                               B  7-OH                                                                               CONHPh           Me     --    206-207                                                                               C.sub.32 H.sub.26 N.sub.4                                                      O.sub.4 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                 97                                                                               B  H   CONHMe           Me     --    162-165                                                                               C.sub.22 H.sub.22 N.sub.4                                                      O.sub.2 S.sub.2                                                                         HRMS.sup.c              98                                                                               B  H   CONHCH.sub.2 ph  Me     --    145-147                                                                               C.sub.34 H.sub.30 N.sub.4                                                      O.sub.2 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                 99                                                                               B  H   SO.sub.2 Php-Me  H      --    230-233                                                                               C.sub.30 H.sub.24 N.sub.2                                                      O.sub.4 S.sub.4                                                                         C,H,N,S                100                                                                               B  H   COPh             Me     --    199-202                                                                               C.sub.32 H.sub.24 N.sub.2                                                      S.sub.2 O.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                101                                                                               B  H   COPhpCOOH        Me     --    241-246                                                                               C.sub.34 H.sub.24 N.sub.2                                                      S.sub.2 O.sub.6.                                                                        C,H                                                                   1.5H.sub.2 O                    102                                                                               B  H   COPhpCOOMe       Me     --    200-203                                                                               C.sub.36 H.sub.28 N.sub.2                                                      O.sub.6 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                103                                                                               B  H   Me               Me     --    113-115                                                                               C.sub.20 H.sub.20 N.sub.2                                                      S.sub.2  C,H,N,S                104                                                                               B  H   CONHPh{4-COOMe}  Me     --    184-186                                                                               C.sub.36 H.sub.30 N.sub.4                                                      O.sub.6 S.sub.2.                                                                        C,H,N,S                                                               H.sub.2 O                       105                                                                               B  H   CONHPh{4-COOH}   Me     --    221    C.sub.34 H.sub.26 N.sub.4                                                      O.sub.6 S.sub.2.                                                                        C,H,N,S                                                               0.5H.sub.2 O                    106                                                                               B  H   CONHPh{3-COOMe}  Me     --    193-195                                                                               C.sub.36 H.sub.30 N.sub.4                                                      O.sub.6 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                107                                                                               B  H   CONHPh{3-COOH}   Me     --    219-220                                                                               C.sub.34 H.sub.26 N.sub.4                                                      O.sub.6 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                108                                                                               B  H   CONHPh{2-COOMe}  Me     --    179-181                                                                               C.sub.36 H.sub.30 N.sub.4                                                      O.sub.6 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                109                                                                               B  H   CONHPh{2-COOH}   Me     --    184-186                                                                               C.sub.34 H.sub.26 N.sub.4                                                      O.sub.6 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                110                                                                               B  H   CONHCH.sub.2 Ph{4-COOMe}                                                                        Me     --    178-180                                                                               C.sub.38 H.sub.34 N.sub.4                                                      O.sub.6 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                111                                                                               B  H   CONHCH.sub.2 Ph{4-COOH}                                                                         Me     --    178-180                                                                               C.sub.36 H.sub. 30 N.sub.4                                                     O.sub.6 S.sub.2.                                                                        C,H,N,S                                                               1.5H.sub.2 O                    112                                                                               B  H   CONHCH.sub.2 COOH                                                                               Me     --    196-198                                                                               C.sub.24 H.sub.22 N.sub.4                                                      O.sub.6 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                113                                                                               B  H   CON(Me)Ph        Me     --    158-163                                                                               C.sub.34 H.sub.31 N.sub.4                                                      S.sub.2 O.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                114                                                                               B  H   CONHCH.sub.2 CH(OH)CH.sub.2 OH                                                                  Me     --    198    C.sub.26 H.sub.30 N.sub.4                                                      O.sub.6 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                115                                                                               B  H   CONHCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 NMe.sub.2                                                                 Me     --  163.5-165                                                                               C.sub.28 H.sub.36 N.sub.6                                                      O.sub.2 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                116                                                                               B  H   CONH-4-pyridyl   Me     --    226-229                                                                               C.sub.30 H.sub.24 N.sub.6                                                      O.sub.2 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                117                                                                               B  H   CONH-3-pyridyl   Me     --    257-260                                                                               C.sub.30 H.sub.24 N.sub.6                                                      O.sub.2 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                118                                                                               B  H   CONH.sub.2       Me     --    186-188                                                                               C.sub.20 H.sub.18 N.sub.4                                                      O.sub.2 S.sub.2.                                                                        C,H,N,S                                                               0.5H.sub.2 O                    119                                                                               B  H   CONMe.sub.2      Me     --    96-102 C.sub.24 H.sub.26 N.sub.4                                                      O.sub.2 S.sub.2.                                                                        C,H,N                                                                 0.5H.sub.2 O                    120                                                                               B  H   CN               Me     --    205-207                                                                               C.sub.20 H.sub.14 N.sub.4                                                      S.sub.2  C,H,N,S                121                                                                               B  H   COMe             Me     --  178.5-179.5                                                                             C.sub.22 H.sub.20 N.sub.2                                                      O.sub.2 S.sub.2.                                                                        C,H,N,S                                                               0.5H.sub.2 O                    122                                                                               B  H   CONH-2-pyridyl   Me     --    270-272                                                                               C.sub.30 H.sub.24 N.sub.6                                                      O.sub.2 S.sub.2.                                                                        C,H,N,S                                                               0.25H.sub.2 O                   123                                                                               B  H   CONH-furyl       Me     --    175-176                                                                               C.sub.28 H.sub.20 N.sub.2                                                      O.sub.4 S.sub.2                 124                                                                               B  H   CONH-thienyl     Me     --    183 (DEC)                                                                             C.sub.28 H.sub.22 N.sub.4                                                      O.sub.4 S.sub.2.                                                                        C,H,N                                                                 0.5H.sub.2 O                    125                                                                               B  H   CONHCH.sub.2 Ph  H      --    203-205                                                                               C.sub.32 H.sub.26 N.sub.4                                                      O.sub.2 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                126                                                                               B  H   CONHPh           H      --    220-222.5                                                                             C.sub.30 H.sub.22 N.sub.4                                                      O.sub.2 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                127                                                                               B  H   CONHMe           H      --    232-236                                                                               C.sub.20 H.sub.18 N.sub.4                                                      O.sub.2 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                128                                                                               B  H   CONHPh           (CH.sub.2).sub.3 NMe.sub.2                                                            --  165      C.sub.28 H.sub.36 N.sub.6                                                      O.sub.2 S.sub.2                                                                         C,H,N,S                 ##STR16##                                                                     129                                                                               D  H   COOt-Bu          CH.sub.3                                                                              --    187-189                                                                               C.sub.28 H.sub.32 N.sub.2                                                      O.sub.4 Se.sub.2.                                                                       C,H,N                                                                 0.2H.sub.2 O                    130                                                                               D  H   COOH             CH.sub.3                                                                              --    174 (dec)                                                                             C.sub.20 H.sub.16 N.sub.2                                                      O.sub.4 Se.sub.2.                                                                       C,H,N                                                                 0.1H.sub.2 O                    131                                                                               D  H   CONHMe           CH.sub.3                                                                              --    225-230 (dec)                                                                         C.sub.22 H.sub.22 N.sub.4                                                      O.sub.2 Se.sub.2.                                                                       C,H,N                                                                 0.9H.sub.2 O                    132                                                                               D  H   CONH(CH.sub.2).sub.2 NEt.sub.2                                                                  CH.sub.3                                                                              --    160-164                                                                               C.sub.32 H.sub.44 N.sub.6                                                      O.sub.2 Se.sub.2.                                                                       C,H,N,Cl.sup.-                                                        2.0HCl.1.7H.sub.2 O             133                                                                               D  H   CONHCH.sub.3     H      --    272-275                                                                               C.sub.20 H.sub.18 N.sub.4                                                      O.sub.2 Se.sub.2.                                                                       C,H,N                                                                 0.9H.sub.2 O                    134                                                                               D  H   CONH(CH.sub.2).sub.2 NEt.sub.2                                                                  H      --    257-259 (dec)                                                                         C.sub.30 H.sub.40 N.sub.6                                                      O.sub.2 Se.sub.2.                                                                       C,H,N                                                                 2.0HCl.H.sub.2 O                135                                                                               D  H   CONHCH.sub.3     (CH.sub.2).sub.2 NEt.sub.2                                                            --    156-157                                                                               C.sub.32 H.sub.44 N.sub.6                                                      O.sub.2 Se.sub.2.                                                                       C,H,N                                                                 0.5H.sub.2 O                    136                                                                               D1 H   NH.sub.2 [R(R*,R*)]                                                                             H      --    172-174                                                                               C.sub.36 H.sub.36 N.sub.6                                                      O.sub.2 Se.sub.2.                                                                       C,H,N                                                                 1.5H.sub.2 O                    137                                                                               D1 H   NH.sub.2 [S(R*,R*)]                                                                             H      --    171 (dec)                              __________________________________________________________________________      .sup.# Diastereomers                                                           .sup.a Analyses for all listed elements within ±0.4%                        .sup.b Noncrystalline                                                          .sup.c High-resolution mass spectrum molecular ion                             .sup.d Wieland T, Wieburg O, Fischer E, Korlein G, Annalen 1954;587:146        .sup.e Takase S, Uchida I, Tanaka H, Aoki H, Tetrahedron 1986;42:5879          .sup.f Palmisano G, Brenna E, Danieli B, Lesma G, Vodopivec B, Fiori G,        Tet. Lett. 1990;31:7229                                                        .sup.g Piotrowska H, Serafin B, WejrochMatacz K, Rocz. Chem.                   1975;49:635-638.                                                         

EXAMPLES

The invention and the best mode for practicing the same are illustrated by the following Examples A-K.

EXAMPLE A Preparation of Compounds 15, 17, 65, and 46 of Table 1 by the Method Outlined in Scheme 1

Concentrated HCl (16.6 mL) was added dropwise with stirring, over 10 minutes, to a solution of 4-(3-indolyl)butanoic acid [II: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₃ COOH] (2.00 g) in DMSO (7.0 mL) at room temperature (method of Savige WE, Fontana A, J. Chem. Soc. Chem. Commun. 1976:599). After 15 minutes reaction, the mixture was diluted with water (80 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (4×100 mL). Removal of the solvent gave crude 4-(2-oxo-3-indolinyl)butanoic acid [III: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₃ COOH] (2.07 g, 96%) as a green-brown solid; mp (water) 169°-171° C. (Hinman RL, Bauman CP, J. Org. Chem, 1964;29:1206 record mp 170°-171° C.).

Acetyl chloride (10 mL) was added dropwise with stirring to an ice-cooled solution of the above crude acid [III: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₃ COOH] (2.05 g) in dry MeOH (50 mL), and the mixture stirred at 20° C. for 18 hours. The solvent was removed, and repeated evaporation from MeOH yielded a brown oil, which was dissolved in CHCl₃ (100 mL) and washed with water (2×100 mL). Removal of the solvent gave crude methyl 4-(2-oxo-3-indolinyl)butanoate [III: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₃ COOMe] (2.20 g) as an oil. A pure sample was obtained by chromatography on silica gel and elution with EtOAc/light petroleum (1:2) as a pale yellow oil.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ8.82 (1H, s, NH), 7.24 (1H, d, J=7.7 Hz, ArH), 7.21 (1H, t, J=7.8 Hz, ArH), 7.03 (1H, td, J=7.6, 0.8 Hz, ArH), 6.91 (1H, d, J=7.7 Hz, ArH), 3.65 (3H, s, COOCH₃), 3.49 (1H, t, J=6.0 Hz, H-3), 2.34 (2H, t, J=7.5 Hz, CH₂ CO), 2.00, 1.72 (4H, 2xm, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ180.23 (s, CONH), 173.57 (s, COOCH₃), 141.54, 129.24 (2xs, Ar), 127.97, 124.11, 122.37, 109.80 (4xd, Ar), 51.53 (q, COOCH₃), 45.74 (d, C3), 33.83, 29.79, 21.18 (3xt, (CH₃)₃ CO).

Analysis calculated for C₁₃ H₁₅ NO₃.H₂ O requires: C, 6.45; H, 6.7; N, 5.6%.

Found: C, 64.4; H, 6.5; N, 5.7%.

A solution of the above crude ester [III: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₃ COOMe] (0.48 g) in dry dioxane (10 mL) was treated with P₂ S₅ (0.26 g) and NaHCO₃ (0.36 g), then the mixture was stirred under nitrogen at 95° C. for 1 hour. The resulting solution was concentrated under reduced pressure, and the residue was diluted with CH₂ Cl₂ (100 mL) and filtered. The filtrate was washed with water, solvent was removed, and the residue (0.55 g) was chromatographed on silica gel (elution with CH₂ Cl₂) to give crude methyl 4-(2-thioxo-3-indolinyl)butanoate [IV: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₃ COOMe] (17) (0.18 g, 35%); mp (benzene-light petroleum) 109°-110° C.

¹ N NMR (CDCl₃): δ10.59 (1H, s, NH), 7.31 (1H, d, J=7.4 Hz, ArH), 7.27 (1H, td, J=7.7, 0.9 Hz, ArH), 7.14 (1H, td, J=7.5, 0.9 Hz, ArH), 7.02 (1H, d, J=7.7 Hz, ArH), 3.85 (1H, t, J=5.5 Hz, H-3), 3.64 (3H, s, COOCH₃), 2.32 (2H, t, J=7.5 Hz, CH₂ CO), 2.26, 2.15, 1.67, 1.46 (4H, 4xm, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ207.80 (s, CSNH), 173.69 (s, COOCH₃), 143.27, 133.85 (2xs, ArH), 128.19, 124.17, 124.02, 110.12 (4xd, ArH), 57.36 (d, C-3), 51.61 (q, COOCH₃), 33.92, 32.76, 20.41 (3 xt, (CH₂)₃ CO).

Analysis calculated for C₁₃ N₁₅ NO₂ S requires: C, 62.6; H, 6.1; N, 5.6; S, 12.9%.

Found: C, 62.8; H, 5.9; N, 5.7; S, 12.9%.

A solution of 17 (0.39 g) in MeOH was exposed to air for 13 days, then the solvent was removed. Chromatography of the residue on silica gel (elution with CH₂ Cl₂) yielded bis[methylindolyl-3-butanoate-(2)]-disulfide [V: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₃ COOMe] (67) (0.31 g, 80%); mp (MeOH-dilute HCl) 91°-93° C.

¹ N NMR (CDCl₃): δ8.19 (1H, s, NH), 7.57 (1H, d, J=7.9 Hz, ArH), 7.28 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, ArH), 7.24 (1H, ddd, J=8.2, 7.1, 1.1 Hz, ArH), 7.12 (1H, ddd, J=8.0, 6.9, 1.4 Hz, ArH), 3.56 (3H, s, COOCH₃), 2.67, 2.18 (2x2 H, 2 xt, J=7.4 Hz, CH₂ CH₂ CH₂ CO), 1.85 (2 H, quin, J=7.4 Hz, CH₂ CH₂ CH₂ CO).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ174.02 (s, COOCH₃), 137.29, 127.49, 125.99 (3xs, ArH), 124.21 (d, ArH), 123.70 (s, ArH), 119.95, 119.88, 111.08 (3xd, ArH), 51.42 (q, COOCH₃), 33.45, 25.67, 23.95 (3xt, (CH₂)₃ CO).

Analysis calculated for C₂₆ H₂₈ N₂ O₄ S₂ requires: C, 62.9; H, 5.7; N, 5.7; S, 12.9%.

Found: C, 62.6; H, 6.0; N, 5.5; S, 13.1%.

A mixture of 17 (0.26 g) in MeOH (10 mL) and K₂ CO₃ (0.55 g) in water (3 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 2 days. NaBH₄ (100 mg) was then added, and the mixture stirred for 25 minutes, then diluted with water (100 mL) and extracted with CH₂ Cl₂ (2×100 mL). The aqueous portion was acidified (to pH 3) with dilute HCl and extracted with EtOAc (3×100 mL). This extract was concentrated under reduced pressure, and the residue was crystallized from CH₂ Cl₂ -light petroleum to give 4-(2-thioxo-3-indolinyl)butanoic acid [IV: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₃ COOH] (15) (30 mg, 12%); mp 132°-134° C.

¹ H NMR (CD₃ OD): δ7.34 (1H, d, J=7.4 Hz, ArH), 7.26 (1H, td, J=7.7, 1.1 Hz, ArH), 7.12 (1H, td, J=7.5, 0.8 Hz, ArH), 7.00 (1H, d, J=7.8 Hz, ArH), 2.25 (2H, t, J=7.5 Hz, CH₂ COOH), 2.24, 2.10, 1.55, 1.33 (4H, 4xm, 3-CH₂ CH).

Analysis calculated for C₁₂ H₁₃ NO₂ S requires: C, 61.3; H, 5.6; N, 6.0; S, 13.6%

Found: C, 61.1; H, 6.2; N, 6.1; S, 13.5%.

Similar hydrolysis of 67 (at 30° C. for 6 hours, then 20° C. for 1 day) have bis[indolyl-3-butanoic acid-(2)]disulfide [V: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₃ COOH] (65) (30 mg, 20%); mp (aqueous MeOH) 141°-143.5° C.

¹ H NMR (CD₃ OD): δ7.48 (1H, dr, J=8.0, 0.8 Hz, ArH), 7.32 (1H, dr, J=8.2, 0.7 Hz, ArH), 7.16 (1H, ddd, J=8.1, 7.1, 1.1 Hz, ArH), 7.00 (1H, ddd, J=8.0, 7.1, 0.8 Hz, ArH), 2.42 (2H, t, J=7.6 Hz, CH₂ CO), 1.93 (2H, t, J=7.3 Hz, 3-CH₂), 1.58 (2H, quin, J=7.5 Hz, CH₂ CH₂ CH₂ CO).

¹³ C NMR (CD₃ OD): δ177.52 (s, COOH), 139.31, 128.69, 126.69, 124.84 (4xs, ArH), 124.67, 120.48, 120.27, 112.34 (4xd, ArH), 34.39, 27.24, 24.82 (3xt, (CH₂)₃ COOH).

Analysis calculated for C₂₄ H₂₄ N₂ O₄ S₂.H₂ O requires: C, 60.4; H, 5.2; N, 5.9; S, 13.4%.

Found: C, 60.4; H, 5.4; N, 5.9; S, 13.6%.

Compounds 7, 9, 36 and 39 of Table 1

Similar treatment of methyl 3-(3-indolinyl)propanoic [II: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ COOH] (0.93 g) with DMSO/HCl, followed by esterification with diazomethane and chromatography on silica gel, gave methyl 3-(2-oxo-3-indolyl)propanoate [III: R₁ -R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ COOMe] (0.89 g, 89%) as a yellow oil (Julian P. L., Printy H. C., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1953;75:5301-5305 report mp 79°-80° C.).

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ8.75 (1H, s, NH), 7.22 (2H, m, ArH), 7.03 (1H, ddd, J=7.8, 7.1, 1.1 Hz, ArH), 6.91 (1H, dd, J=7.3, 1.3 Hz, ArH), 3.63 (3H, s, OCH₃), 3.54 (1H, t, J=5.8 Hz, H-3), 2.61-2.20 (4H, m, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₁₂ H₁₃ NO₃ requires: M+219.0895.

HREIMS m/z Found: M+219.0898.

Treatment of this ester [III: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ COOMe] (0.89 g) with P₂ S₅ as above, followed by chromatography on silica gel, eluting with EtOAc/light petroleum (3:1), gave an oil (0.44 g). Crystallization from MeOH gave 2,2'-dithiobis[methyl 3-(3-indolyl)propanoate [V: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ COOMe] (39) (61 mg, 6%); mp 162.5°-164° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ8.21 (1H, s, NH), 7.55 (1H, dd, J=8.0, 0.7 Hz, ArH), 7.25 (2H, m, ArH), 7.12 (1H, ddd, J=8.0, 5.4, 2.6 Hz, ArH), 3.56 (3H, s, OCH₃), 2.98, 2.47 (2x2H, 2xt, J=7.9 Hz, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ173.38 (s, COOCH₃), 137.25, 127.21, 125.80 (3xs, Ar), 124.30 (d, Ar), 122.79 (s, Ar), 120.10, 119.59, 111.21 (3xd, Ar), 51.56 (q, OCH₃), 34.97 (t, CH₂ CO), 20.27 (t, 3-CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₂₄ H₂₄ N₂ O₄ S₂ requires: C, 61.5; H, 5.2; N, 6.0; S, 13.7%.

Found: C, 61.4; H, 5.3; N, 6.1; S, 13.7%.

Crystallization of the mother liquor residue from benzene/light petroleum gave methyl 3-(2-thioxo-3-indolinyl)propanoate [IV: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ COOMe] (9) (0.24 g, 25%); mp (CH₂ Cl₂ /light petroleum) 96°-98° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ9.83 (1H, s, NH), 7.29 (2H, m, ArH), 7.16 (1H, td, J=7.5, 0.9 Hz, ArH), 6.99 (1H, d, J=7.8 Hz, ArH), 3.91 (1H, t, J=5.4 Hz, H-3), 3.60 (3H, s, OCH₃), 2.52 (2H, m, 3-CH₂), 2.42, 2.11 (2x1H, 2xm, CH₂ CO).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ207.26 (s, CSNH), 173.37 (s, COOCH₃), 143.24, 133.08 (2xs, Ar), 128.43, 124.35, 124.09, 110.01 (4xd, Ar), 56.45 (d, C-3), 51.68 (q, OCH₃), 29.33, 28.19 (2xt, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₁₂ H₁₃ NO₂ S requires: C, 61.3; H, 5.6; N, 6.0; S, 13.6%.

Found: C, 61.4; H, 5.5; N, 6.0; S, 13.7%.

Hydrolysis of 9 with K₂ CO₃ /MeOH/H₂ O as described above, followed by chromatography on silica gel, reduction with NaBH₄ and crystallization from CH₂ Cl₂ /isopropyl ether/light petroleum gave 3-(2-thioxo-3-indolinyl)propanoic acid [IV: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ COOH] (7) (25 mg, 22%); mp 170°-173° C.

¹ H NMR (CD₃ COCD₃): δ11.48 (1H, s, NH), 7.43 (1H, d, J=7.4 Hz, ArH), 7.30 (1H, t, J=7.7 Hz, ArH), 7.15 (1H, t, J=7.4 Hz, ArH), 7.11 (1H, d, J=7.8 Hz, ArH), 3.90 (1H, t, J=5.3 Hz, H-3), 2.49 (1H, m, CH₂ CH₂ CO), 2.37 (2H, m, CH₂ CH₂ CO), 2.11 (1H, m, CH₂ CH₂ CO).

¹³ C NMR (CD₃ COCD₃): δ208.48 (S, CSNH), 174.14 (s, COOH), 145.18, 134.55 (2xs, Ar), 129.05, 125.08, 124.30, 110.87 (4xd, Ar), 57.18 (d, C-3 ), 29,86, 29.25 (2 xt, CH₂ CH₂ COOH).

Analysis calculated for C₁₁ H₁₁ NO₂ S requires: C, 59.71; H, 5.01; N, 6.33%.

Found: C, 59.49; H, 4.97; N, 6.15%.

Aerial oxidation of 7 in MeOH at 20° C. for 12 days, followed by dilution with water, gave bis[indolyl-3-propanoic acid-(2)]disulfide [V: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ COOH] (36) (30 mg, 30%); mp (aqueous MeOH) 118°-120.5° C.

¹ H NMR (CD₃ OD): δ7.47 (1H, dr, J=8.0, 0.8 Hz, ArH), 7.30 (1H, dr, J=8.1, 0.8 Hz, ArH), 7.15 (1H, ddd, J=8.1, 7.1, 1.0 Hz, ArH), 7.00 (1H, ddd, J=8.0, 7.1, 0.9 Hz, ArH), 2.74, 2.2 (2x2H, 2xt, J=8.0 Hz, (CH₂)₂ COOH).

¹³ C NMR (CD₃ OD): δ176.95 (s, C00H), 139.26, 128.26 126.65 (3xs, Ar), 124.69 (d, Ar), 123.66 (s, Ar), 120.36, 120.20, 112.41 (3xd, Ar), 36.29, 21.22 (2xt, (CH₂)₂ COOH).

Analysis calculated for C₂₂ H₂₀ N₂ O₄ S₂.H₂ O requires: C, 57.6; H, 4.8; N, 6.1; S, 14.0%.

Found: C, 57.6; H, 5.0; N, 6.1; S, 13.9%.

Compounds 3 and 27 of Table 1

Similar reaction of methyl 2-(2-oxo-3-indolinyl)acetate [III: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₃ COOMe: Takase S, Uchida I, Tanaka H, Aoki H, Tetrahedron 1986;42:5879] (0.13 g) with P₂ S₅ gave methyl 2-(2-thioxo-3-indolinyl)acetate [IV: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₃ COOMe] (3) (50 mg, 36%); mp (MeOH) 150°-152° C.

¹ N NMR (CDCl₃): δ10.36 (1H, s, NH), 7.29 (1H, d, J=7.6 Hz, ArH), 7.27 (1H, t, J=7.8 Hz, ArH), 7.11 (1H, t, J=7.6 Hz, ArH), 7.00 (1H, d, J=7.8 Hz, ArH), 4.14 (1H, dd, J=8.4, 4.2 Hz, H-3), 3.72 (3H, s, COOCH₃), 3.35 (1H, dd, J=17.0, 4.2 Hz, CH₂ CO), 2.88 (1H, dd, J=17.0, 8.5 Hz, CH₂ CO).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ206.59 (s, CSNH), 171.53 (s, COOCH₃), 143.10, 133.53 (2xs, ArH), 128.45, 124.20, 124.12, 110.07 (4xd, ArH), 53.53 (d, C3), 52.02 (q, COOCH₃), 37.94 (t, CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₁₁ H₁₁ NO₂ S requires: C, 59.7; H, 5.0; N, 6.3; S, 14.5%.

Found: C, 59.9; H, 5.3; N, 6.4; S, 14.4%.

A solution of 3 (0.10 g) in benzene-light petroleum (1:1, 30 mL) exposed to air for 2 days gave a quantitative yield of bis[methylindolyl-3-acetate-(2)]disulfide [V: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₃ COOMe] (Compound 27 of Table I); mp (benzene/light petroleum) 160°-162° C.

¹ N NMR (CDCl₃): δ8.69 (1H, s, NH), 7.52 (1H, dd, J=8.2, 0.6 Hz, ArH), 7.21 (1H, ddd, J=8.2, 6.6, 1.1 Hz, ArH), 7.12 (2H, m, ArH), 3.83 (2H, s, CH₂ CO), 3.71 (3H, s, COOCH₃).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ172.54 (s, COOCH₃), 137.20, 127.19, 127.03 (3xs, ArH), 124.26, 120.31, 119.45 (3xd, ArH), 116.23 (s, ArH), 111.41 (d, ArH), 52.25 (q, OCH₃), 30.51 (t, CH₂ CO).

Analysis calculated for C₂₂ H₂₀ N₂ O₄ S₂ requires: C, 60.0; H, 4.6; N, 6.4; S, 14.6%.

Found: C, 60.0; H, 4.8; N, 6.3; S, 14.4%.

Additional amounts of 27 were also obtained from the mother liquors of the P₂ S₅ reaction.

Compounds 8, 11, 37, and 40 of Table 1

A solution of 18-crown-6 (0.44 g), potassium t-butoxide (2.20 g) and methyl 3-(3-indolyl)propanoate [II: R₁ =R₃ =H; R₂ =(CH₂)₂ COOMe] (3.24 g) in dry benzene (20 mL) was stirred at 20° C. for 15 minutes, then cooled in ice. A solution of CH₃ I (3.42 g) in benzene (10 mL) was added, then the flask was sealed and the mixture stirred at 20° C. for 1 day (method of Guida WC, Mathre DJ, J. Org. Chem. 1980;45:3172). The resulting solution was filtered to remove salts, washing with CH₂ Cl₂, then the combined filtrates washed with water and the solvents removed. Chromatography on silica gel, eluting with CH₂ Cl₂ /light petroleum (1:1), gave methyl 3-(1-methyl-3-indolyl)propanoate [II: R₁ =H; R₃ =Me; R₂ =(CH₂)₂ COOMe] (1.90 g, 52%) as a colorless oil (Snyder H. R., Eliel E. L., J. Am, Chem, Soc. 1949;71:663-669 report oil, bp₀.25 180°-190° C.).

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ7.58 (1H, dr, J=7.7, 0.9 Hz, ArH), 7.28 (1H, dr, J=7.9, 1.3 Hz, ArH), 7.21 (1H, ddd, J=8.1, 6.7, 1.3 Hz, ArH), 7.10 (1H, ddd, J=7.9, 6.5, 1.5 Hz, ArH), 6.86 (1H, s, H-2), 3.73, 3.67 (2x3H, 2xs, NCH₃, OCH₃), 3.09, 2.70 (2x2H, 2xt, J=7.6 Hz, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₁₃ H₁₅ NO₂ requires: M+217.1103.

HREIMS m/z Found: M+217.1101.

Oxidation of the ester [II: R₁ =H; R₃ =Me; R₂ =(CH₂)₂ COOMe] (1.85 g) with DMSO/HCl as above for 3 hours gave crude 3-(1-methyl-2-oxo-3-indolinyl)propanoic acid [III: R₁ =H; R₂ =Me; R₃ =(CH₂)₂ COOH] (2.08 g) as a colorless oil.

¹ H NMR (CD₃ OD): δ7.31 (2H, m, ArH), 7.09 (1H, td, J=8.0, 1.0 Hz, ArH), 6.98 (1H, d, J=7.6 Hz, ArH), 3.56 (1H, t, J=6.1 Hz, H-3), 3.20 (3H, s, NCH₃), 2.41-2.15 (4H, m, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

¹³ C NMR (CD₃ OD): δ179.64 (s, COOH), 176.55 (s, CONCH₃), 145.52, 129.73 (2xs, Ar), 129.39, 125.00, 123.93, 109.64 (4xd, Ar), 45.79 (d, C-3), 31.01, 26.91 (2xt, 3-CH₂ CH₂), 26.44 (q, NCH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₁₂ H₁₃ NO₃ requires: M+219.0895.

HREIMS m/z Found: M+219.0897.

This was esterified with diazomethane as above, then the product chromatographed on silica gel. Elution with EtOAc/light petroleum (1:2) gave methyl 3-(1-methyl-2-oxo-3-indolinyl)propanoate [III: R₁ =H; R₂ =Me; R₃ =(CH₂)₂ COOMe] (1.40 g, 70%) as a colorless oil.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ7.27 (2H, m, ArH), 7.06 (1H, td, J=7.5, 0.8 Hz, ArH), 6.83 (1H, d, J=7.7 Hz, ArH), 3.62 (3H, s, OCH₃), 3.50 (1H, t, J=6.0 Hz, H-3), 3.20 (3H, s, NCH₃), 2.52-2.18 (4H, m, CH₂ CH₂).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ177 23 (s, CONCH₃), 173.38 (s, COOCH₃), 144.36 (s, Ar), 128.20 (d, Ar), 128.11 (s, Ar), 123.92, 122.48, 108.06 (3xd, Ar), 51.64 (q, OCH₃), 44.36 (d, C-3), 30.12 (t, CH₂ OCO), 26.14 (q, NCH₃), 25.64 (t, 3-CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₁₃ H₁₅ NO₃ requires: M+233.1052.

HREIMS m/z Found: M+233.1055.

Treatment of this ester [III: R₁ =H; R₂ =Me; R₃ =(CH₂)₂ COOMe] (1.38 g) with P₂ S₅ as above followed by chromatography on silica gel, eluting with CH₂ CH₂ /light petroleum (3:2), gave methyl 3-(1-methyl-2-thioxo-3-indolinyl)propanoate [IV: R₁ =H; R₃ -Me; R₂ =(CH₂)₂ COOMe] (11) (1.40 g, 95%); mp (benzene/light petroleum) 71°-73° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ7.35 (2H, m, ArH), 7.19 (1H, td, J=7.5, 0.9 Hz, ArH), 7.00 (1H, d, J=7.7 Hz, ArH), 3.92 (1H, t, J=5.4 Hz, H-3), 3.63, 3.58 (2x3H, 2xs, NCH₃, OCH₃), 2.53 (2H, m, 3-CH₂), 2.34, 2.03 (2x1H, 2xm, CH₂ CO).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ204.77 (s, CSNCH₃), 173.32 (s, COOCH₃), 145.89, 132.37 (2xs, Ar), 128.40, 124.31, 123.99, 109.51 (4xd, Ar), 56.26 (d, C-3), 51.61 (q, OCH₃), 31.35 (q, NCH₃), 29.31, 28.46 (2xt, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₁₃ H₁₅ NO₂ S requires: C, 62.6; H, 6.1; N, 5.6; S, 12.9%.

Found: C, 62.7; H, 6.3; N, 5.7; S, 13.0%.

Oxidation of (11) (0.70 g) with FeCl₃ (0.70 g) in EtOAc/CH₂ Cl₂, chromatography of the product on silica gel, and elution with CH₂ Cl₂ gave 2,2'-dithiobis[methyl 3-(1-methyl-3-indolyl)propanoate] [V: R₁ =H; R₂ =Me; R₂ =(CH₂)₂ COOMe] (40) (0.38 g, 54%); mp (CH₂ Cl₂ /MeOH) 139°-141.5° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ7.49 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, ArH), 7.27 (1H, ddd, J=8.3, 6.1, 0.9 Hz, ArH), 7.25 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz, ArH), 7.09 (1H, ddd, J=8.0, 6.1, 1.9 Hz, ArH), 3.59, 3.53 (2x3H, 2xs, NCH₃, OCH₃), 2.76, 2.21 (2x2H, 2xt, J=7.8 Hz, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ173.17 (s, COOCH₃), 138.49, 127.00, 126.09 (3xs, Ar), 124.14 (d, Ar), 123.77 (s, Ar), 119.68, 119.65, 109.87 (3xd, Ar), 51.39 (q, OCH₃), 35.09 (t, CH₂ CO), 29.86 (q, NCH₃), 20.50 (t, 3-CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₂₆ H₂₈ N₂ O₄ S₂ requires: C, 62.9; H, 5.7; N, 5.7; S, 12.9%.

Found: C, 62.6; H, 5.6; N, 5.5; S, 13.0%.

A solution of (11) (0.53 g) in EtOH (10 mL) and 2N aqueous NaOH (3 mL) was stirred at 20° C. for 80 minutes. The mixture was then diluted with water (100 mL) and extracted with CH₂ Cl₂ (100 mL). The aqueous portion was adjusted to pH 2 with dilute HCl and extracted with EtOAc (3×120 mL). The EtOAc extracts were washed with water (150 mL) and the solvent removed under reduced pressure to give a yellow oil (0.48 g). This was redissolved in MeOH (7 mL) and 2M aqueous NaOH (1 mL) and treated with NaBH (150 mg) for 5 minutes at 20° C. The mixture was then quenched with water and worked up as before to give a pale brown oil (0.46 g). Crystallization from CH/light petroleum gave 3-(1-methyl-2-thioxo-3-indolinyl)propanoic acid [R₁ =H; R₂ =Me; R₃ =(CH₂ )₂ COOH] (8) (0.32 g, 60%); mp 126°-128.5° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ7.35 (2H, m, ArH), 7.18 (1H, td, J=7.5, 0.9 Hz, ArH), 7.00 (1H, d, J=7.8 Hz, ArH), 3.93 (1H, t, J=5.3 Hz, H-3), 3.63 (3H, s, NCH₃), 2.51 (2H, m, 3-CH₂), 2.38 (1H, ddd, J=16.1, 9.3, 6.7 Hz, CHCO), 2.06 (1H, ddd, J=16.0, 9.8, 6.1 Hz, CHCO).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ204.61 (s, CSNCH₃), 178.41 (COOH), 145.88, 132.24 (2xs, Ar), 128.50, 124.38, 123.96, 109.57 (4xd, Ar), 56.05 (d, C-3), 31.37 (q, NCH₃), 29.16, 28.16 (2xt, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₁₂ H₁₃ NO₂ S.0.25H₂ O requires: C, 60.1; H, 5.6; N, 5.8; S, 13.4%.

Found: C, 60.0; H, 5.6; N, 5.9; S, 13.4%.

Similar hydrolysis of 40 (0.37 g) in EtOH/2M aqueous NaOH for 3 hours at 20° C. gave, after workup, a yellow oil (0.30 g). Crystallization from AcOH gave 2,2'-dithiobis[3-(1-methyl-3-indolyl)propanoic acid] [V: R₁ =H; R₂ =(CH₂)₂ COOH; R₃ =Me] (37) (73 mg, 20%); mp 158.5°-160° C.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ CO): δ7.59 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz, ArH), 7.39 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, ArH), 7.27 (1H, ddd, J=8.2, 7.1, 0.9 Hz, ArH), 7.07 (1H, ddd, J=8.1, 7.1, 0.8 Hz, ArH), 3.60 (3H, s, NCH₃), 2.79, 2.31 (2x2H, 2xt, J=7.9 Hz, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

¹³ C NMR ((CD₃)₂ CO): δ173.75 (s, COOH), 139.61, 127.54, 127.06 (3xs, Ar), 125.08 (d, Ar), 125.02 (s, Ar), 120.55, 120.53, 110.03 (3xd, Ar), 35.56 (t, CH₂ CO), 30.13 (q, NCH₃), 21.32 (t, 3-CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₂₄ H₂₄ N₂ O₄ S₂ requires: C, 61.5; H, 5.2; N, 6.0; S, 13.7%.

Found: C, 61.5; H, 5.2; N, 6.1; S, 13.6%.

Chromatography of the mother liquors on silica gel, then treatment with NaBH₄ as above and crystallization of the products from CH₂ Cl₂ /light petroleum also gave 3-(1-methyl-2-thioxo-3-indolinyl)propanoic acid (8) (0.12 g, 32%).

Compounds 16, 18, 66, and 68 of Table 1

N-Alkylation of methyl 4-(3-indolyl)butanoate [II: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₃ COOMe] (2.14 g), with 18-crown-6 (0.26 g), potassium t-butoxide/CH₃ I as above gave methyl 4-(1-methyl-3-indolyl)butanoate [II: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₃ COOMe, R₃ =Me] (0.92 g, 40%) as a brown oil, which was used directly.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ7.58 (1H, dt, J=7.9, 0.9 Hz, ArH), 7.28 (1H, d, J=8.2 Hz, ArH), 7.21 (1H, ddd, J=8.1, 7.0. 1.1 Hz, ArH), 7.09 (1H, ddd, J=8.0, 7.0, 1.0 Hz, ArH), 6.84 (1 H, s, ArH), 3.74 (3 H, s, NCH₃), 3.66 (3 H, s, COOCH₃), 2.79, 2.38 (2x2H, 2xt, J=7.4 Hz, CH₂ CH₂ CH₂ CO), 2.03 (2H, quin, J=7.4 Hz, CH₂ CH₂ CH₂ CO).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ174.21 (s, COOCH₃), 137.08, 127.84 (2xs, ArH), 126.34, 121.50, 118.98, 118.62 (4xd, ArH), 114.07 (s, ArH), 109.13 (d, ArH), 51.44 (q, COOCH₃), 33.68 (t, CH₂ CO), 32.55 (q, NCH₃), 25.58, 24.41 (2xt, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

HREIMS ra/z Found: M+231.1259.

4-(3-Indolyl)butanoic acid (1.04 g, 52%) was recovered by dissolving the filtered precipitates from the above reaction in water and acidifying; mp 124°-126° C. (Jackson R.W., Manske R.H., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1930;52:5029 record mp 124° C.).

Reaction of the ester [II: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₃ COOMe, R₃ =Me] with DMSO/HCl as above gave crude 4-(1-methyl-2-oxo-3-indolinyl)butanoic acid [III: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₃ COOMe, R₃ =Me] (0.84 g, 91% yield) as a brown oil.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ7.28 (1H, td, J=7.7, 0.9 Hz, ArH), 7.25 (1H, d, J=7.7 Hz, ArH), 7.06 (1H, td, J=7.5, 0.9 Hz, ArH), 6.83 (1H, d, J=7.8 Hz, ArH), 3.47 (1H, t, J=5.9 Hz, H-3), 3.21 (3H, s, NCH₃), 2.37 (2H, t, J=7.4 Hz, CH₂ CO), 2.00, 1.69 (2x2H, 2xm, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

An ice-cooled solution of the above crude oxoacid [III: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₃ COOMe, R₃ =Me] (0.84 g) in ether (10 mL) was treated, dropwise with stirring, with an ethereal solution of diazomethane (from N-nitrosomethylurea, 1.2 g). After 30 minutes at 20° C., the solvent was removed under reduced pressure, and the residue was chromatographed on silica gel (elution with EtOAc/light petroleum (1:2)) to give methyl 4-(1-methyl-2-oxo-3-indolinyl)butanoate [III: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₃ COOMe, R₃ =Me] (0.64 g, 72%); mp (EtOAc/light petroleum) 69°-71° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ7.28 (1H, t, J=7.8 Hz, ArH), 7.26 (1H, d, J=7.6 Hz, ArH), 7.05 (1H, td, J=7.6, 0.7 Hz, ArH), 6.82 (1H, d, J=7.7 Hz, ArH), 3.64 (3H, s, COOCH₃), 3.44 (1H, t, J=6.0 Hz, H-3), 3.20 (3H, s, NCH₃), 2.33 (2 H, t, J=7.5 Hz, CH₂ CO), 1.98, 1.68 (2x2H, 2xm, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ177.52 (s, CONCH₃), 173.59 (s, COOCH₃), 144.38, 128.71 (2xs, ArH), 128.00, 123.84, 122.40, 108.02 (4xd, ArH), 51.54 (q, COOCH₃), 45.26 (d, C-3), 33.89, 29.98 (2xt, CH₂ CH₂ CH₂ CO), 26.15 (q, NCH₃), 21.30 (t, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₁₄ H₁₇ NO₃ requires: C, 68.0; H, 6.9; N, 5.7%.

Found: C, 67.9; H, 6.7; N, 5.7%.

The above oxoester [III: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₃ COOMe, R₃ =Me] (0.90 g) was treated with P₂ S₅ as above, followed by workup and chromatography on silica gel. Elution with CH₂ Cl₂ /light petroleum (3:2) gave methyl 4-(1-methyl-2-thioxo-3-indolyl)butanoate [IV: R₁ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₃ COOMe, R₃ =Me] (18) (1.07 g, 79%); mp (benzene-light petroleum) 103°-106° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ7.34 (2H, m, ArH), 7.19 (1H, td, J=8.0, 0.9 Hz, ArH), 7.00 (dd, J=8.0. 2.3).

Analysis calculated for C₁₄ H₁₇ NO2S requires: C, 63.9; H, 6.5; N, 5.3; S, 12.2%.

Found: C, 64.0; H, 6.4; N, 5.3; S, 12.3%.

A solution of 18 (0.47 g) in EtOAc (7 mL) was stirred with FeCl₃ (0.43 g) for 1 hour at 20° C., then worked up and chromatographed on silica gel. Elution with CH₂ Cl₂ gave bis[methyl 1-methylindolyl-3-butanoate-(2)]disulfide [V: R₁ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₃ COOMe, R₃ =Me] (68) (0.40 g, 85%); mp (CH₂ Cl₂ /MeOH) 112°-113 ° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ7.52 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, ArH), 7.28 (1H, ddd, J=8.2, 6.0. 1.0 Hz, ArH), 7.25 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, ArH), 7.09 (1H, ddd, J=8.0, 6.0.1.9 Hz, ArH), 3.59, 3.55 (2x3H, 2xs, NCH₃, COOCH₃), 2.42, 2.07 (2x2H, 2xt, J=7.4 Hz, CH₂ CH₂ CH₂ CO), 1.68 (2H, quin, J=7.4 Hz, CH₂ CH₂ CH₂ CO).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ173.82 (s, COOCH₃), 138.47, 127.23, 126.43, 124.74 (4xs, ArH), 124.05, 119.90, 119.49, 109.72 (4xd, ArH), 51.35 (q, COOCH₃), 33.40 (t, CH₃ CO), 29.82 (q, NCH₃), 25.83, 24.17 (2xt, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₂₈ H₃₂ N₂ O₄ S₂ requires: C, 64.1; H, 6.1; N, 5.3; S, 12.2%.

Found: C, 63.9; H, 6.4; N, 5.3; S, 12.1%.

Hydrolysis of 18 with EtOH/H₂ O/NaOH, followed by treatment with NaBH₄ and crystallization from CH₂ Cl₂ /light petroleum, as above, gave 4-(1-methyl-2-thioxo-3-indolyl) butanoic acid [IV: R₁ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₃ COOH, R₃ =Me] (16) (0.18 g, 44%); mp 144°-146.5° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ7.34 (2H, m, ArH), 7.18 (1H, t, J=7.6 Hz, ArH), 7.00 (1H, d, J=7.7 Hz, ArH), 3.85 (1H, t, J=5.5 Hz, H-3), 3.63 (3H, s, NCH₃), 2.34, 2.07 (2H, t, J=7.6 Hz, CH₂ CO), 2.28 2.18, 1.59, 1.40 (4x1H, 4xm, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ205.31 (s, CSNCH₃), 178.62 (s, COOH), 145.81, 133.06 (2xs, Ar), 128.20, 124.30, 123.86, 109.54 (4xd, Ar), 57.14 (d, C-3), 33.77, 33.01 (2xt, 3-CH₂ CH₂ CH₂), 31.42 (q, NCH₃), 20.11 (t, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₁₃ H₁₅ NO₂ OS.H₂ O requires: C, 61.6; H, 6.7; N, 5.5; S, 12.7%.

Found: C, 61.9; H, 6.3; N, 5.6; S, 12.8%.

Similar hydrolysis of 68 (0.40 g) gave, after workup, a yellow oil (0.37 g). Chromatography on silica gel, eluting with EtOAc/light petroleum (1:2) containing 1% AcOH, gave an oil (0.25 g). Crystallization from AcOH then gave 2,2'-dithiobis[4-(1-methyl-3-indolyl)butanoic acid] IV: R₁ =H, R₂ -(CH₂)₃ COOH, R₃ =Me] (66) (0.17 g, 42%); mp 106.5°-109.5° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ7.51 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, ArH), 7.27 (2H, m, ArH), 7.08 (1H, ddd, J=8.0, 6.0, 2.0 Hz, ArH), 3.55 (3H, s, NCH₃), 2.44 2.12 (2x2H, 2xt, J=7.4 Hz, 3-CH₂ CH₂ CH₂ CO), 1.68 (2H, quintet, J=7.4 Hz, 3-CH₂ CH₂ CH₂).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ179.32 (s, COOH), 138.49, 127.49, 126.43, 124.56 (4xs, Ar), 124.14, 119,86, 119.62, 109.79 (4xd, Ar), 33.37 9t, CH₂ CO), 29.86 (q, NCH₃) 25.59, 24.13 (2xt, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₂₆ H₂₈ N₂ O₄ S₂.2CH₃ COOH requires: C, 58.4; H, 5.9; N, 4.5; S, 10.4%.

Found: C, 58.4; H, 5.9; N, 4.5; S, 10.6%.

EXAMPLE B Preparation of Compounds 1, 29, 30, and 31 of Table 1 by the Method Outlined in Scheme 2

A solution of purified S₂ Cl₂ (0.50 mL) in THF (20 mL) was added dropwise to a stirred, ice-cooled solution of 3-indolylacetic acid [II: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =CH₂ COOH] (2.20 g) in dry THF (30 mL) (method of Wieland T, Wieburg O, Fischer E, Korlein G, Annalen 1954;587:146). After 30 minutes at 20° C. the solvent was removed, and the residue was crystallized from aqueous acetic acid to give a yellow solid (1.00 g). Recrystallization of this solid from aqueous MeOH, followed by further crystallization from EtOAc-benzene gave bis[indolyl-3-acetic acid-(2)]trisulfide [VI: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =CH₂ COOH, n=3] (30) as a yellow powder (80 mg, 3%); mp 199°-202° C.

¹ H NMR (CD₃ COCD₃): δ10.18 (1H, s, NH), 7.59 (1H, m, ArH), 7.06 (2H, m, ArH), 6.82 (1H, m, ArH), 3.99 (2H, s, CH₂ CO).

¹³ C NMR (CD₃ COCD₃): δ173.30 (s, COOH), 138.82, 128.26, 127.03 (3xs, ArH), 124.76, 120.60, 120.33 (3xd, ArH), 116.97 (s, ArH), 112.16 (d, ArH), 30.89 (t, CH₂ CO).

Analysis calculated for C₂₀ H₁₆ N₂ O₄ S₃ requires: C, 54.1; H, 3.6; N, 6.3; S, 21.6%.

Found: C, 54.1; H, 3.8; N, 6.0; S, 21.2%.

The mother liquors from the above aqueous methanol crystallization were evaporated, and the resulting solid was recrystallized from CH₂ Cl₂ to give bis[indolyl-3-acetic acid-(2)] disulfide [[VI: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =CH₂ COOH, n=2] (29) as a yellow solid (0.19 g, 7%); mp 196°-199° C. (Wieland T, Wieburg O, Fischer E, Korlein G, Annalen 1954;587:146 record mp 208° C.).

¹ H NMR (CD₃ COCD₃): δ10.62 (1H, s, NH), 7.58 (1H, dd, J=8.1, 0.6 Hz, ArH), 7.42 (1H, dr, J=8.2.0.8 Hz, ArH), 7.23 (1H, ddd, J=8.2, 7.1, 0.9 Hz, ArH), 7.09 (1H, ddd, J=8.0, 7.1, 0.9 Hz, ArH), 3.55 (2H, s, CH₂ CO).

¹³ C NMR (CD₃ COCD₃): δ172.67 (s, COOH), 138.78, 128.33, 127.86 (3xs, ArH), 124.79, 120.72, 120.56 (3xd, ArH), 117.78 (s, ArH), 112.41 (d, ArH), 30.67 (t, CH₂ CO).

Analysis calculated for C₂₀ H₁₆ N₂ O₄ S₂ requires: C, 58.2; H, 3.9; N, 6.8; S, 15.5%.

Found: C, 57.6; H, 4.4; N, 6.6; S, 15.3%.

Methylation of crude 30 with diazomethane as described above, followed by chromatography on silica gel, gave bis[methylindolyl-3-acetate-(2)]trisulfide [VI: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =CH₂ COOMe, n=3] (31) (0.16 g, 47%); mp (CH₂ Cl₂ -light petroleum) 130°-132° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ8.76 (1H, s, NH), 7.40 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, ArH), 6.99 (1H, ddd, J=8.0, 7.1, 0.9 Hz, ArH), 6.88 (1H, ddd, J=8.2, 7.1, 0.9 Hz, ArH), 6.41 (1H, d, J=8.2 Hz, ArH), 3.93 (2H, s, CH₂ CO), 3.78 (3 H, s, COOCH₃).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ172.93 (s, COOCH₃), 137.66, 127.02, 125.80 (3xs, ArH), 124.29, 120.06, 118.46 (3xd, ArH), 114.61 (s, ArH), 111.15 (d, ArH), 52.40 (q, COOCH₃), 30.30 (t, CH₂ CO).

Analysis calculated for C₂₂ H₂₀ N₂ O₄ S₃ requires: C, 55.9; H, 4.2; N, 5.9; S, 20.3%.

Found: C, 55.6; H, 4.4; N, 5.8; S, 19.9%.

Reduction of 29 with NaBH₄ /K₂ CO₃ /MeOH as above gave 2-(2-thioxo-3-indolinyl)acetic acid [IV: R₁ =R₃ =H; R₂ =CH₂ COOH] (1) (58 mg, 34%); mp (EtOAc/light petroleum) 166°-168° C. (Wieland T, Wieburg O, Fischer E, Korlein G, Annalen 1954;587:146 record mp 170°-171° C.).

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ CO): δ11.51 (1H, s, NH), 7.39 (1H, d, J=7.9 Hz, ArH), 7.29 (1H, td, J=7.7, 0.8 Hz, ArH), 7.11 (2H, m, ArH), 4.02 (1H, dd, J=3.9, 8.4 Hz, H-3), 3.36 (1H, dd, J=17.2, 3.9 Hz, 3-CH), 2.83 (1H, dd, J=17.2, 8.4 Hz, 3-CH).

Compounds 4 and 28 of Table 1

Methyl 2-(1-methyl-3-indolyl)acetate [II: R₁ =H; R₂ =CH₂ COOMe; R₃ =Me] (Guida W. C., Mathre D. J., J. Org, Chem. 1980;45:3172-3176) (1.18 g) was treated with S₂ Cl₂ (0.25 mL) as above and the product then chromatographed on silica gel. Elution with CH₂ Cl₂ /light petroleum (2:1) and CH₂ Cl₂ gave a yellow oil, from which crystallization with EtOAc/light petroleum gave 2,2'-monothiobis[methyl 2-(1-methyl-3-indolyl)acetate] [VI: R₁ =H, R₂ =CH₂ COOMe; R₃ =Me; n =1] (0.17 g, 13%); mp 155°-156° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): 7.54 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, ArH), 7.22 (2H, m, ArH), 7.11 (1H, ddd, J=8.0, 4.9, 3.0 Hz, ArH), 3.96 (2H, s, 3-CH₂), 3.61 (3H, s, 0CH₃), 3.48 (3 H, s, NCH₃).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): 171.54 (s, COOCH₃), 137.80, 126.80, 126.24 (3xs, Ar), 123.03, 119.92, 118.96 (3xd, Ar), 112.95 (s, Ar), 109.37 (d, Ar), 51.85 (q, OCH₃), 31.04 (t, 3-CH₂), 30.38 (q, NCH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₂₄ H₂₄ N₂ O₄ S requires: C, 66.1; H, 5.5; N, 6.4; S, 7.3%.

Found: C, 65.9; H, 5.6; N, 6.4; S, 7.4%.

Further crystallization of mother liquor fractions from benzene/light petroleum gave 2,2'-dithiobis[methyl 2-(1-methyl-3-indolyl)acetate] [VI: R₁ =H, R₂ =CH₂ COOMe; R₃ =Me; n=2] (28) (0.16 g, 13%); mp 130°-132.5° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): 7.51 (1H, dr, J=8.0, 0.8 Hz, ArH), 7.29 (2H, m, ArH), 7.12 (1H, ddd, J=8.0, 6.0, 2.0 Hz, ArH), 3.57 (3H, s, OCH₃), 3.48 (3H, s, NCH₃), 3.33 (2H, s, 3-CH₂).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): 171.44 (s, COOCH₃), 138.42, 128.13, 126.38 (3xs, Ar), 124.37, 120.13,120.08 (3xd, Ar), 117.48 (s, Ar), 109.94 (d, Ar), 51.79 (q, OCH₃), 30.57 (q, NCH₃), 29.96 (t, 3-CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₂₄ H₂₄ N₂ O₄ S₂ requires: C, 61.5; H, 5.1; N, 6.0; S, 13.7%.

Found: C, 61.4; H, 5.2; N, 6.0; S, 13.8%.

The remaining mother liquor was treated successively with NaBH₄ and FeCl₃ as above, to give an additional 0.36 g (26%) of 28.

Reduction of 28 with NaBH₄ as above gave methyl 2-(1-methyl-2-thioxo-3-indolinyl)acetate [IV: R₁ =H; R₂ =CH₂ COOMe; R₃ =Me] (4) (61%); mp (benzene/light petroleum) 68°-70° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): 7.34 (2H, m, ArH), 7.16 (1H, td, J=7.5, 0.9 Hz, ArH), 7.01 (1H, d, J=7.8 Hz, ArH), 4.15 (1H, dd, J=8.7, 4.1 Hz, H-3), 3.71 (3H, s, OCH₃), 3.65 (3H, s, NCH₃), 3.40 (1H, dd, J=17.0, 4.1 Hz, 3-CH), 2.83 (1H, dd, J=17.0, 8.7 Hz, 3-CH).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): 204.24 (s, CSNCH₃), 171.68 (s, COOCH₃), 145.74, 132.95 (2xs, Ar), 128.47, 124.40, 123.96, 109.54 (4xd, Ar), 53.41 (d, C-3), 51.96 (q, OCH₃), 38.46 (t, 3-CH₂), 31.57 (q, NCH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₁₂ H₁₃ NO₂ S requires: C, 61.3; H, 5.6; N, 6.0; S, 13.6%.

Found: C, 61.5; H, 5.8; N, 6.2; S, 13.9%.

Compounds 2 and 32 of Table 1

Similar treatment of 1-methyl-3-indolylacetic acid [II: R₁ =H, R₂ =CH₂ COOH, R₃ =Me] (Guida WC, Mathre D. J., J. Org, Chem, 1980;45:3172; Kaestle K. L., Anwer M. K., Audhya T. K., Goldstein G, Tetrahedron Lett. 1991; 32: 327) with S₂ Cl₂ followed by chromatography on silica gel gave bis[1-methylindolyl-3-acetic acid-(2)]-disulfide [VI: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =CH₂ COOH, n=2] (32) (0.10 g, 8%); mp (Me₂ CO/light petroleum) 190°-192.5° C. (Wieland T, Wieburg O, Fischer E, Korlein G, Annalen 1954; 587: 146 record mp 190°-191° C.).

¹ H NMR (CD₃ COCD₃): δ7.56 (1H, dr, J=8.1, 0.9 Hz, ArH), 7.44 (1H, d, J=8.3 Hz, ArH), 7.31 (1H, ddd, J=8.2, 7.0, 1.2 Hz, ArH), 7.11 (1H, ddd, J=8.0, 7.0, 0.9 Hz, ArH), 3.65 (3H, s, NCH₃), 3.23 (2H, s, CH₂ CO).

¹³ C NMR (CD₃ COCD₃): δ172.21 (s, COOH), 139.52, 128.56, 127.45 (3xs, ArH), 125.21, 120.91, 120.74 (3xd, ArH), 119.38 (s, ArH), 111.04 (d, ArH), 30.81 (t, CH₂ CO), 30.31 (q, NCH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₂₂ H₂₀ N₂ O₂ S₂ requires: C, 60.0; H, 4.6; N, 6.4; S, 14.5%.

Found: C, 59.4; H, 4.9; N, 6.4; S, 15.0%.

Reduction of 32 with NaBH₄ /K₂ CO₃ /MeOH as above gave 2-(1-methyl-2-thioxo-3-indolinyl)acetic acid [IV: R₁ =H; R₂ =CH₂ COOH; R₃ =Me] (2) (62 mg, 60%); mp (CH₂ Cl₂ /light petroleum) 150°-153° C. (Wieland T, Wieburg O, Fischer E, Korlein G, Annalen 1954;587:146 record mp 149°-150° C.).

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ7.37 (2H, m, ArH), 7.18 (1H, t, J=7.5 Hz, ArH), 7.02 (1H, d, J=7.8 Hz, ArH), 4.14 (1H, dd, J=8.6, 3.9 Hz, H-3), 3.65 (3H, s, NCH₃), 3.48 (1H, dd, J=17.5, 4.0 Hz, 3-CH), 2.86 (1H, dd, J=17.5, 8.7 Hz, 3-CH).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ203.88 (s, CSNCH₃), 176.31 (s, COOH), 145.67, 132.64 (2xs, Ar), 128.57, 124.52, 124.00, 109.59 (4xd, Ar), 53.07 (d, C-3), 38.33 (t, 3-CH₂), 31.59 (q, NCH₃).

Compounds 6 and 34 of Table 1

N-Benzyl 3-indolylacetamide [II: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =CH₂ CONHCH₂ Ph] (Katritzky A. R., J. Chem. Soc, 1955:2581) (1.48 g) was treated with S₂ Cl₂ as above, and the product mixture was treated with NaBH₄ (ca. 0.7 g) in EtOH (10 mL) for 30 minutes at 20° C., then diluted with water (100 mL), acidified with dilute HCl and extracted in CH₂ Cl₂ (2×100 mL) and EtOAc (100 mL). A sample from evaporation of the combined extracts was crystallized from EtOAc-light petroleum to give N-benzyl (2-thioxo-3-indolinyl) acetamide [IV: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =CH₂ CONHCH₂ Ph] (6) (0.12 g, 7%); mp 193°-195° C.

¹ H NMR (CD₃ SOCD₃): δ12.64 (1H, s, NH), 8.50 (1H, t, J=5.9 Hz, NHCH₂), 7.32 (2H, t, J=7.3 Hz, ArH), 7.25 (3H, m, ArH), 7.11 (1H, d, J=7.3 Hz, ArH), 7.00 (1H, t, J=8.0 Hz, ArH), 6.53 (1H, m, ArH), 4.34, 4.28 (2x1H, 2xdd, J=15.3, 5.9 Hz, NHCH₂), 4.04 (1H, dd, J=9.5, 4.2 Hz, H-3), 3.10 (1H, dd, J=15.3, 4.2 Hz, CH₂ CO), 2.47 (1H, dd, J=15.3, 9.5 Hz, CH₂ CO).

¹³ C NMR (CD₃ SOCD₃): δ206.62 (s, CSNH), 169.41 (s, CONH), 143.97, 139.24, 134.36 (3xs, ArH), 128.22 (2xd, ArH), 127.95 (d, ArH), 127.36 (2xd, ArH), 126.77, 123.91, 123.09, 110.10 (4xd, ArH), 53.94 (d, C-3), 42.27, t, NHCH₂), 39.19 (t, CH₂ CO).

Analysis calculated for C₁₇ H₁₀ N₂ OS requires: C, 68.9; H, 5.4; N, 9.5; S, 10.8%.

Found: C, 68.8; H, 5.8; N, 9.5; S, 10.7%.

The remaining product mixture (1.60 g) was treated with FeCl₃ as above then chromatographed on silica gel to give a yellow oil (1.40 g). Crystallization from EtOAc/light petroleum then EtOAc gave 2,2'-dithiobis[N-benzyl 2-(3-indolyl) acetamide] [VI: R₁ =R₃ =H; R₂ =CH₂ CONHCH₂ Ph] (34) (0.36 g, 22%); mp 200.5°-203.5° C.

¹ H NMR (CD₃)₂ SO): δ11.57 (1H, s, CSNH), 8.45 (1H, t, J=5.9 Hz, NHCH₂), 7.53 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, ArH), 7.30 (1H, d, J=8.2 Hz, ArH), 7.29-7.14 (6H, m, ArH), 7.01 (1H, t, J=7.5 Hz, ArH), 4.19 (2H, d, J=5.9 Hz, NHCH₂), 3.44 (2 H, s, 3-CH₂).

¹³ C NMR (CD₃)₂ SO): δ170.08 (9s, CONH), 139.36, 137.42 (2xs, Ar), 128.12, 127.13 (4xd, Ar), 127.12, 126.82 (2xs, Ar), 126.63, 123.41, 119.67, 119.09 (4xd, Ar), 116.83 (s, Ar), 111.43 (d, Ar), 42.25 (t, NHCH₂), 31.73 (t, 3-CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₃₄ H₃₀ N₄ O₂ S₂ requires: C, 62.6; H, 6.1; N, 5.6; S, 12.9%.

Found: C, 62.7; H, 6.3; N, 5.7; S, 13.0%.

Compounds 13 and 47 of Table 1

Esterification of 3-(3-indolyl)propanoic acid [II: R₁ =R₂ =H, R₃ =(CH₂)₂ COOH] (1.50 g) with diazomethane as above gave methyl 3-(3-indolyl)propanoate [II: R₁ =R₂ =H, R₃ =(CH₂)₂ COOMe] (1.62 g, 100%) as a light brown oil. This was stirred with benzylamine (5 mL) at 140° C. for 4 hours (Katritzky A. R., J. Chem. Soc. 1955:2581-2586) to give, after workup and chromatography on silica gel, N-benzyl 3-(3-indolyl)propanamide [II: R₁ =R₂ =H; R₃ =(CH₂)₂ CONHCH₂ Ph] (1.81 g, 88%); mp (EtOAc/light petroleum) 125°-126.5° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): 8.05 (1H, s, NH), 7.59 (1H, d, J=7.8 Hz, ArH), 7.34 (1H, d, J=7.9 Hz, ArH), 7.24 (3H, m, ArH), 7.18 (1H, dd, J=7.9, 7.2 Hz, ArH), 7.10 (1H, dd, J=7.9, 7.2 Hz, ArH), 7.07 (2H, m, ArH), 6.93 (1H, d, J=1.9 Hz, H-2), 5.64 (1H, t, J=5.7 Hz, NHCH₂), 4.35 (2H, d, J=5.7 Hz, 2 H, NHCH₂), 3.13, 2.59 (2x2H, 2xt, J=7.3 Hz, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): 172.54 (s, CON]{), 138.20, 136.35 (2xs, Ar), 128.58, 127.66 (4xd, Ar), 127.35 (d, Ar), 127.08 (s, Ar), 122.04, 121.88, 119.35, 118.68 (4xd, Ar), 113.79 (s, Ar), 111.21 (d, Ar), 43.51 (t, NHCH₂), 37.42 (t, CH₂ CO), 21.38 (t, 3-CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₁₈ H₁₈ N₂ O requires: C, 77.7; H, 6.6; N, 10.1%.

Found: C; 77.4; H, 6.5; N, 10.3%.

The above amide [II: R₁ =R₂ =H, R₃ =(CH₂)₂ CONHCH₂ Ph] (1.74 g) was treated with S₂ Cl₂, and the product mixture was treated successively with NaBH₄ and FeCl₃ as above, then chromatographed on silica gel. Elution with EtOAc/light petroleum (2:1) gave 2,2'-monothiobis[N-benzyl 3-(3-indolyl)propanamide] [VI: R₁ =R₂ =H; R₃ =(CH₂)₂ CONHCH₂ Ph; n=1] (0.10 g, 6%); mp (CH₂ Cl₂ /light petroleum) 218°-219° C.

¹ H NMR (CD₃)₂ SO): 11.01 (1H, s, CSNH), 8.38 (1H, t, J=5.7 Hz, NHCH₂), 7.56 (1H, d, J=7.9 Hz, ArH), 7.26-7.03 (7H, 2xm, ArH), 6.97 (1H, t, J=7.5 Hz, ArH), 4.26 (2H, d, J=5.5 Hz, NHCH₂), 3.22, 2.55 (2x2H, 2xt, J=7.6 Hz, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₃₆ H₃₄ N₄ O₂ S.H₂ O requires: C, 72.6; H, 5.9; N, 9.4; S, 5.4%.

Found: C, 72.7; H, 5.9; N, 9.6; S, 5.7%.

Further elution with EtOAc/light petroleum (1:1) gave a yellow oil (1.10 g) from which crystallization with benzene/CH₂ Cl₂ /light petroleum gave 2,2'-dithiobis[N-benzyl 3-(3-indolyl)propanamide] [VI: R₁ =R₂ =H, R₃ -(CH₂)₂ CONHCH₂ Ph; n=2] (47) (0.73 g, 38%); mp (CH₂ Cl₂ /light petroleum) 141°-144° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): 8.47 (1H, s, CSNH), 7.51 (1H, d, J=7.9 Hz, ArH), 7.27-7.20 (4H, m, ArH), 7.13 (1H, ddd, J=8.2, 7.1, 1.1 H z, ArH), 7.00 (3 H, m, ArH), 5.01 (1H, t, J=5.7 Hz, NHCH₂), 4.16 (2H, d, t, J=5.7 Hz, NHCH₂), 2.88, 1.87 (2x2H, 2xt, J=7.7 Hz, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): 171.93 (s, CONH), 138.30, 137.27 (2xs, Ar), 128.51, 127.78 (4xd, Ar), 127.30 (d, Ar), 127.07, 125.66 (2xs, Ar), 124.43 (d, Ar), 123.93 (s, Ar), 120.18, 119.94, 111.23 (3xd, Ar), 43.39 (t, NHCH₂), 37.09 (t, CH₂ CO), 20.56 (t, 3-CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₃₆ H₃₄ N₄ O₂ S₂ requires: C, 69.9; H, 5.5; N, 9.1; S, 10.3%.

Found: C, 69.7; H, 5.6; N, 9.1; S, 10.5%.

Reduction of 47 with NaBH₄ as above gave a quantitative yield of N-benzyl 3-(2-thioxo-3-indolinyl) propanamide [IV: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ CONHCH₂ ph] (13); mp (CH₂ Cl₂) 149.5°-151° C.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ CO): 11.46 (1H, s, CSNH), 7.45 (1H, t, J=6.0 Hz, NHCH₂), 7.42 (1H, d, J=7.9 Hz, ArH), 7.32-7.16 (6H, m, ArH), 7.13 (1H, td, J=7.5, 0.9 Hz, ArH), 7.09 (1H, d, J=7.8 Hz, ArH), 4.37, 4.33 (2x1H, 2xdd, J=15.0, 6.0 Hz, NHCH₂), 3.87 (1H, t, J=5.4 Hz, H-3), 2.56, 2.34, 2.04 (4H, 3xm, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

¹³ C NMR ((CD₃)₂ CO): 208.79 (s, CSNH), 172.23 (s, CONH), 145.20, 140.69, 134.88 (3xs, Ar), 129.14 (d, 2e, Ar), 128.93 (d, Ar), 128.33 (d, 2e, Ar), 127.62, 125.27, 124.22, 110.78 (4xd, Ar), 57.57 (d, C-3), 43.46 (t, NHCH₂), 31.87, 30.09 (2xt, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₁₈ H₁₈ N₂ OS requires: C, 67.7; H, 6.0; N, 8.8; S, 10.0%.

Found: C, 67.3; H, 5.9; N, 8.9; S, 10.5%.

Compound 69 of Table 1

3-(3-Indolyl)butanoic acid [II: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₃ COOH] (1.10 g) was esterified with excess ethereal diazomethane to give methyl 4-(3-indolyl)butanoate [II: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₃ COOMe] (1.17 g, 100%); mp 73°-75° C. (Jackson R. W., Manske R. H., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1930; 52: 5029 record mp 73°-74° C.). This was stirred with benzylamine (5 mL) at 150° C. for 4 hours to give, after chromatography on silica gel (eluting with 1:4 EtOAc: CH₂ Cl₂), N-benzyl-4-(3-indolyl)butanamide [II: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₃ CONHCH₂ Ph ] (1.43 g, 90%); mp (CH₂ Cl₂ /light petroleum) 123°-124° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ8.05 (1H, br s, NH), 7.58 (1H, d, J=7.9 Hz, ArH), 7.37-7.23 (6H, m, ArH), 7.18 (1H, ddd, J=8.1, 7.1, 1.0 Hz, ArH), 7.10 (1H, ddd, J=8.0, 7.0, 0.9 Hz, ArH), 6.95 (1H, d, J=1.7 Hz, H-2), 5.68 (1H, br t, J=5.7 Hz, NHCH₂), 4.42 (1H, d, J=5.7 Hz, NHCH₂), 2.82 (2H, t, J=7.3 Hz, 3-CH₂), 2.27 (2H, t, J=7.5 Hz, CH₂ CO), 2.09 (2H, pentet, J=7.3 Hz, 3-CHCH₂).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ172.79 (s, CONH), 138.35, 136.33 (2xs, Ar), 128.69, 127.84 (2d, 2x2C, Ar), 127.49 (d, Ar), 127.46 (s, Ar), 121.91, 121.50, 119.83, 118.3 (4xd, Ar), 115.57 (s, Ar), 111.10 (d, Ar), 43.58 (t, NCH₂), 36.15 (t, CH₂ CO), 26.06, 24.48 (2 xt, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₁₉ H₂₀ N₂ O requires: C, 78.1; H, 6.9; N, 9.6%.

Found: C, 77.8; H, 6.8; N, 9.7%.

The above amide (1.38 g) was treated with S₂ Cl₂ as above, then the product mixture obtained after workup was treated with NaBH₄ as described above. The resulting oil was oxidized with 35% H₂ O₂ (0.50 mL) in MeOH (10 mL) at 20° C. for 20 minutes. Dilution with water, extraction in CH₂ Cl₂, and evaporation gave an oil which was chromatographed on silica gel. Elution with EtOAc/light petroleum (3:5) gave 2,2'-thiobis[N-benzyl-4-(3-indolyl)butanamide] [VI: n=1; R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₃ CONHCH₂ Ph] (0.14 g, 10%); mp (CH₂ Cl₂ /light petroleum) 105.5°-108° C. (dec).

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ10.25 (1H, s, NH), 7.49 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, ArH), 7.35-7.25 (6H, m, ArH), 7.11 (1H, ddd, J=8.2, 7.0, 1.2 Hz, ArH), 7.01 (1H, ddd, J=7.9, 7.0, 0.9 Hz, ArH), 5.75 (1H, t, J=5.6 Hz, NHCH₂), 4.38 (2H, d, J=5.7 Hz, NHCH₂), 3.07 (2H, t, J=7.8 Hz, 3-CH₂), 2.38 (2H, t, J=6.3 Hz, CH₂ CO), 2.13 (2 H, m, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ173.49 (s, CONH), 138.12, 136.97 (2xs, Ar), 128.73, 127.93 (2xd, 2x2C, Ar), 127.56 (d, Ar), 127.48, 124.00 (2xs, Ar), 122.53 (d, Ar), 119.79 (s, Ar), 119.07, 118.60, 111.52 (3xd, Ar), 43.79 (t, NCH₂), 35.66 (t, CH₂ CO), 25.77, 24.38 (2xt, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₃₈ H₃₈ N₄ O₂ S requires: C, 74.3; H, 6.2; N, 9.1; S, 5.2%.

Found: C, 74.2; H, 6.1; N, 9.1; S, 5.0%.

Elution with EtOAc:light petroleum (1:1) gave 2,2'-dithiobis[N-benzyl-4-(3-indolyl)butanamide] (69) [VI: n=2; R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₃ CONHCH₂ Ph] (0.55 g, 36%); mp (CH₂ Cl₂ /benzene) 98.5°-101° C. (dec).

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ CO): δ10.48 (1H, s, NH), 7.58 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, ArH), 7.38 (1H, d, J=8.2 Hz, ArH), 7.37 (1H, m, NHCH₂), 7.30-7.15 (6H, m, ArH), 7.03 (1H, ddd, J=7.9, 7.3, 0.7 Hz, ArH), 4.30 (2H, d, J=6.0 Hz, NHCH₂), 2.67 (2H, t, J=7.6 Hz, 3-CH₂), 2.09 (2H, t, J=7.5 Hz, CH₂ CO), 1.84 (2H, pentet, J=7.5 Hz, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

¹³ C NMR ((CD₃)₂ CO): δ172.93 (s, CONH), 140.80, 138.83 (2xs, Ar), 129.12 (d, 2C, Ar), 128.46 (s, Ar), 128.35 (d, 2C, Ar), 127.58 (d, Ar), 126.71, 124.54, (2xs, Ar), 124.46, 120.60, 120.13, 112.36 (4xd, Ar), 43.43 (t, NCH₂), 36.34 (t, CH₂ CO), 27.75, 24.95 (2xt, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₃₈ H₃₈ N₄ O₂ S₂ requires: C, 70.6; H, 5.9; N,8.7; S, 9.9%.

Found: C, 70.4; H, 6.0; N, 8.8; S, 9.8%.

Compound 35 of Table 1

3-Indolylacetonitrile [II: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =CH₂ CN] (1.00 g) was treated with S₂ Cl₂ as above, then the product mixture obtained after workup was treated with NaBH₄ as described above. Crystallization of the resulting oil from CH₂ Cl₂ gave 2,2'-thiobis[3-indolylacetonitrile] [VI: n=1; R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =CH₂ CN] (0.11 g, 10%); mp 237°-240° C. (Piotrowska H, Serafin B, Wejroch-Matacz K, Rocz. Chem, 1975;49:635 record mp 242°-244° C.).

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ11.61 (1H, s, NH), 7.65 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, ArH), 7.37 (1H, d, J=8.2 Hz, ArH), 7.20 (1H, ddd, J=8.0, 7.1, 0.9 Hz, ArH), 7.10 (1H, ddd, J=8.0, 7.1, 0.8 Hz, ArH), 4.26 (2H, s, 3-CH₂).

¹³ C NMR: δ136.52, 125.99, 123.92 (3xs, Ar), 123.25, 119.78 (2xd, Ar), 118.67 (s, Ar), 118.48, 111.60 (2xd, Ar), 108.78 (s, 3-CH₂ CN), 12.98 (t, 3-CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₂₀ H₁₄ N₄ S.0.5H₂ O requires: C, 68.4; H, 4.3; N, 16.0; S, 9.2%.

Found: C, 68.4; H,4.2; N, 16.2; S, 9.1%.

The mother liquor was oxidized with H₂ O₂ in MeOH as above, then the resulting solid was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with CH₂ Cl₂, to give 2,2'-dithiobis[3-indolylacetonitrile] (35) [VI: n=2; R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =CH₂ CN] (0.62 g, 52%); mp (CH₂ Cl₂ /MeOH) 168.5°-169.5° C. (Piotrowska H, Serafin B, Wejroch-Matacz K, Rocz, Chem. 1975;49:635 record mp 169°-170° C.).

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ11.90 (1H, s, NH), 7.67 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz, ArH), 7.42 (1H, d, J=8.2 Hz, ArH), 7.28 (1H, ddd, J=8.1, 7.1, 1.0 Hz, ArH), 7.14, (1H, ddd, J=8.0, 7.1, 0.8 Hz, ArH), 3.69 (2H, s, 3-CH₂).

¹³ C NMR: δ137.28, 126.36, 125.82 (3xs, Ar), 124.26, 120.03, 119.11, (3xd, Ar), 118.10 (s, Ar), 112.03 (d, Ar), 111.66 (s, 3-CH₂ CN), 12.56 (t, 3-CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₂₀ H₁₄ N₄ S₂ requires: C, 64.2; H, 3.7; N, 15.0; S, 17.1%.

Found: C, 64.1; H, 3.9; N, 15.1; S, 17.0%.

Compound 48 of Table 1

3-Indolylpropionitrile [II: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ CN] (Reppe W, Ufer H, German patent 698,273) (1.00 g) was treated with S2Cl₂ as above, then the product mixture obtained after workup was treated successively with NaBH₄, then H₂ O₂ as described above. The resulting oil was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with CH₂ Cl₂, to give 2,2'-thiobis[3-indolyl-propionitrile] [VI: n=1; R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ CN] (43 mg, 4%); mp (CH₂ Cl₂ /light petroleum) 204.5-207° C. (Piotrowska H, Serafin B, Wejroch-Matacz K, Rocz, Chem. 1975;49:635 record mp 198°-200° C.).

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ11.25 (1H, s, NH), 7.61 (1H, d, J=7.9 Hz, ArH), 7.31 (1H, d, J=7.8 Hz, ArH), 7.13 (1H, dd, J=8.0, 7.1 Hz, ArH), 7.02 (1H, dd, J=7.9, 7.1 Hz, ArH), 3.23, 2.71 (2x2H, 2xt, J=7.2 Hz, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

¹³ C NMR: δ136.65, 126.58, 124.04 (3xs, Ar), 122.65 (d, Ar), 120.36 (s, CN), 119.25, 118.79 (2xd, Ar), 116.32 (s, Ar), 111.31 (d, Ar), 20.60, 17.98 (2xt, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

Further elution with CH₂ Cl₂ gave 2,2'-dithiobis[3-indolylpropionitrile] (48) [VI: n=2; R₁ =R₃ z H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ CN] (0.82 g, 69%); mp (CH₂ Cl₂) 167°-169° C. (Piotrowska H, Serafin B, Wejroch-Matacz K, Rocz. Chem. 1975; 49: 635 record mp 165°-167° C.).

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ11.71 (1H, s, NH), 7.59 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, ArH), 7.38 (1H, dr, J=8.2, 0.8 Hz, ArH), 7.22 (1H, ddd, J=8.2, 7.1, 1.1 Hz, ArH), 7.04 ddd, J=8.0, 7.1, 0.9 Hz, ArH), 2.57, 2.37 (2x2H, 2xt, J=7.2 Hz, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

¹³ C NMR: δ137.48, 126.16, 125.59 (3xs, Ar), 123.88 (d, Ar), 120.39, 119.87 (2xs, Ar,CN), 119.45, 111.64 (2xd, Ar), 19.80, 17.97 (2xt, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

Compound 49 of Table 1

A solution of gramine (8.4 g) and methyl nitroacetate (11.5 g) in xylene (50 mL) was stirred under nitrogen at 90°-100° C. for 5 hours (method of Lyttle D. A., Weisblat D. I., J. Am. Chem, Soc. 1947;69:2118). Evaporation gave an oil which was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with CH₂ Cl₂ :light petroleum (1:1), to give 3-(2-nitroethyl)indole [II: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ NO₂ ] (4.44 g, 48%); mp (benzene/light petroleum) 57°-59.5° C. (Somei M, Karasawa Y, Kaneko C, Heterocycles 1981;16:941 record mp (MeOH) 54°-55° C.).

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ8.05 (1H, br s, NH), 7.57 (1H, d, J=7.9 Hz, ArH), 7.37 (1H, dr, J=8.2, 0.8 Hz, ArH), 7.22 (1H, ddd, J=8.1, 7.0, 1.1 Hz, ArH), 7.16 (1H, ddd, J=7.9, 7.1, 0.9 Hz, ArH), 7.04 (1H, d, J=2.4 Hz, H-2), 4.66 (2H, t, J=7.3 Hz, 3-CH₂ CH₂), 3.49 (2H, td, J=7.3, 0.6 Hz, 3-CH₂).

¹³ C NMR: δ136.25, 126.67 (2xs, Ar), 122.56, 122.54, 119.91, 118.13, 111.45 (5xd, Ar), 110.05 (s, Ar), 75.73 (t, 3-CH₂ CH₂), 23.63 (t, 3-CH₂).

The above nitroethyl compound (1.50 g) was treated with S₂ Cl₂ as above, then the product mixture obtained after workup was treated successively with NaBH₄ then H₂ O₂ as described above. The resulting oil was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with CH₂ Cl₂ :light petroleum (4:3), to give 2,2'-thiobis[3-(2-nitroethyl)indole] [VI: n=1; R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ -(CH₂)₂ NO₂ ] (49 mg, 3%); mp (CH₂ Cl₂ /light petroleum) 134.5°-136° C.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ11.26 (1H, s, NH), 7.59 (1H, d, J=7.9 Hz, ArH), 7.30 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz, ArH), 7.13 (1H, ddd, J=8.1, 7.1, 0.9 Hz, ArH), 7.02 (1H, ddd, J=7.9, 7.1, 0.8 Hz, ArH), 4.71 (2H, t, J=7.3 Hz, 3-CH₂ CH₂), 3.57 (2H, t, J=7.3 Hz, 3-CH₂).

¹³ C NMR: δ136.59, 126.60, 124.20 (3xs, Ar), 122.56, 119.27, 118.43 (3xd, Ar), 113.37 (s, Ar), 111.24 (d, Ar), 75.11 (t, 3-CH₂ CH₂, 22.69 (t, 3-CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₂₀ H₁₈ N₄ O₄ S requires: C, 58.5; H, 4.4; N, 13.7; S, 7.8%.

Found: C, 58.3; H, 4.7; N, 13.6; S, 8.0%.

Further elution as above gave 2,2'-dithiobis[3-(2-nitroethyl)indole] (49) [VI: n=2; R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ NO₂ ] (1.28 g, 73%); mp (CH₂ Cl₂ /light petroleum) 153°-154° C.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ11.68 (1H, s, NH), 7.57 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, ArH), 7.36 (1H, d, J=8.2 Hz, ArH), 7.21 (1H, ddd, J=8.1, 7.1, 0.9 Hz, ArH), 7.04 (1H, ddd, J=7.9, 7.1, 0.8 Hz, ArH), 4.41 (2H, t, J=7.2 Hz, 3-CH₂ CH₂), 2.97 (2H, t, J=7.2 Hz, 3-CH₂).

¹³ C NMR: δ137.37, 126.18, 125.95 (3xS, Ar), 123.76, 119.50, 119.08 (3xd, Ar), 117.39 (s, Ar), 111.59 (d, Ar), 75.05 (t, 3-CH₂ CH₂), 22.06 (t, 3-CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₂₀ H₁₈ N₄ O₄ S₂.0.5H₂ O requires: C, 53.2; H, 4.2; N, 12.4; S, 14.2%.

Found: C, 53.4; H, 4.2; N, 12.6; S, 14.0%.

Compounds 14 and 50 of Table 1

DEPC (98%, 1.28 mL) was added to a stirred solution of 3-(3-indolyl)propanoic acid [II: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ COOH] (1.30 g) and triethylamine (1.15 mL) in THF (15 mL) at 0° C. After 5 minutes the solution was saturated with ammonia gas, then the mixture was stirred at 20° C. for 16 hours. The reaction was then quenched with water and extracted with EtOAc. Evaporation gave a solid, which was purified by chromatography on silica gel, eluting with EtOAc, to give 3-(3-indolyl) propanamide [II: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ CONH₂ ] (1.09 g, 84%); mp (MeOH/water) 134°-136° C. (Crosby D. G., Boyd J. B., Johnson H. E., J. Org. Chem. 1960;25:1826 record mp 131.5°-133° C.).

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ CO): δ9.95 (1H, s, NH), 7.58 (1H, dt, J=8.2, 0.7 Hz, ArH), 7.36 (1H, dr, J=8.1, 0.8 Hz, ArH), 7.13 (1H, m, H-2), 7.08 (1H, ddd, J=8.1, 7.0, 1.1 Hz, ArH), 7.00 (1H, ddd, J=8.0, 7.0, 1.0 Hz, ArH), 6.75, 6.12 (2xH, 2xbr s, CONH₂), 3.04 (2H, m, 3-CH₂), 2.05 (2H, m, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

¹³ C NMR: δ174.87 (s, CONH₂), 137.75, 128.44 (2xs, Ar), 122.80, 122.02 (2xd, Ar), 119.30 (2xd, Ar), 115.67 (s, Ar), 112.08 (d, Ar), 37.05 (t, 3-CH₂ CH₂), 21.87 (t, 3-CH₂).

The above amide (1.03 g) was treated with S₂ Cl₂ as above, then the product mixture obtained after workup was treated successively with NaBH₄ then H₂ O₂ as described above. The resulting oil was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with EtOAc: light petroleum (3:1), to give firstly 2,2'-thiobis[3-(3-indolyl)propanamide] [VI: n=1; R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ CONH₂ (0.16 g, 14%); mp (EtOAc/light petroleum) 196.5°-197.5° C.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ11.02 (1H, s, NH), 7.55 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, ArH), 7.38 (1H, s, NH), 7.26 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz, ArH), 7.08 (1H, ddd, J=8.0, 7.1, 0.8 Hz, ArH), 6.98 (1H, dd, J=7.8, 7.1 Hz, ArH), 6.85 (1H, s, NH), 3.16, 2.46 (2x2H, 2xt, J=7.7 Hz, 3-CH₂ CH₂.

¹³ C NMR: δ174.26 (s, CONH₂), 136.77, 126.82, 123.29 (3xs, Ar), 122.09, 118.82,118.68 (3xd, Ar), 118.43 (s, Ar), 111.12 (d, Ar), 35.94 (t, 3-CH₂ CH₂), 20.58 (t, 3-CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₂₂ H₂₂ N₄ O₂ S requires: C, 65.0; H, 5.4; N, 13.8; S, 7.9%.

Found: C, 64.8; H, 5.7; N, 13.6; S, 7.7%.

Further elution with EtOAc and EtOAc:EtOH (9:1) gave 2,2'-dithiobis[3-(3-indolyl)propanamide] (50) [VI: n=2; R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ CONH₂ ] (0.90 g, 75%) as a yellow oil. A subsample crystallized from MeOH/dilute HCl as a solid which decomposed above 101° C.

¹ H NMR (CD₃)₂ SO): δ11.37 (1H, s, NH), 7.55 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, ArH), 7.32 (1H, d, J=8.2 Hz, ArH), 7.16 (1H, t, J=7.6 Hz, ArH), 7.00 (1H, t, J=7.5 Hz, ArH), 6.94, 6.64 (2x1H, 2xs, CONH₂), 2.72, 2.14 (2x2H, 2xm, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

¹³ C NMR: δ173.48 (s, CONH₂), 137.42, 126.58, 125.09 (3xs, Ar), 123.29 (d, Ar), 122.65 (s, Ar), 119.53, 118.91, 111.46 (3xd, Ar), 36.48 (t, 3-CH₂ CH₂), 20.26 (t, 3-CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₂₂ H₂₂ N₄ O₂ S₂.0.5H₂ O requires: C, 59.1; H, 5.2; N, 12.5; S, 14.3%.

Found: C, 59.1; H, 5.4; N, 12.2; S, 14.0%.

Reduction of (50) with NaBH₄ as above gave a quantitative yield of 3-(2-thioxo-3-indolinyl)propanamide (14) [IV: R₁ =R₂ =H, R₃ =(CH₂)₂ CONH₂ ]; mp (EtOAc) 160°-163° C.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ12.63 (1H, s, NH), 7.38 (1H, d, J=7.3 Hz, ArH), 7.27 (1H, t, J=7.6 Hz, ArH), 7.22 (1H, s, NH), 7.12 (1H, t, J=7.5 Hz, ArH), 7.00 (1H, d, J=7.7 Hz, ArH), 6.70 (1H, s, NH), 3.84 (1H, t, J=5.4 Hz, H-3), 2.38 (1H, m, 3-CH₂ CH₂), 2.16-1.96 (2H, m, 3-CH₂ CH₂), 1.77 (1H, ddd, J=14.6, 10.3, 4.2 Hz, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

¹³ C NMR: δ206.83 (s, CSNH), 173.37 (CONH₂), 144.11, 133.81 (2xs, Ar), 127.95, 124.11, 123.21, 110.03 (4xd, Ar), 56.35 (d, C-3), 30.12, 28.32 (2xt, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₁₁ H₁₂ N₂ OS requires: C, 60.0; H, 5.5; N, 12.7; S, 14.6%.

Found: C, 60.0; H, 5.5; N, 12.8; S, 14.3%.

Compound 51 of Table 1

DEPC (98%, 1.08 mL) was added to a stirred solution of 3-(3-indolyl)propanoic acid [II: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ COOH] (1.10 g), triethylamine (1.94 mL) and methylamine hydrochloride (0.47 g) in THF (20 mL) at 0° C., then the mixture was stirred at 20° C. for 20 hours. The reaction was then quenched with water and extracted with EtOAc. Evaporation gave an oil which was purified by chromatography on silica gel. Elution with EtOAc gave firstly foreruns, then N-methyl-3-(3-indolyl)propanamide [II: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ CONHMe] (0.81 g, 69%); mp (CH₂ Cl₂ /light petroleum) 97.5°-99° C. (Kononova V. V., Vereshchagin A. L., Polyachenka V. M., Semenov A. A., Khim.-Farm. Zh. 1978;12:30 record mp 97°-99° C.).

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ CO): δ9.97 (1H, S, NH), 7.56 (1H, dd, J=8.0, 0.8 Hz, ArH), 7.36 (1H, dr, J=8.1, 0.8 Hz, ArH), 7.11 (1H, m, H-2), 7.08 (1H, ddd, J=8.1, 7.0, 1.1 Hz, ArH), 6.99 (1H, ddd, J=7.8, 7.0, 1.0 Hz, ArH), 6.99 (1H, br s, NHCH₃), 3.04 (2H, td, J=7.7, 0.9 Hz, 3-CH₂), 2.68 (3H, d, J=4.7 Hz, NHCH₃), 2.51 (2H, t, J=7.7 Hz, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

¹³ C NMR: δ173.30 (s, CONH), 137.73, 128.42 (2xs, Ar), 122.80, 122.01, 119.31 (3xd, Ar), 115.62 (s, Ar), 112.08 (d, Ar), 37.67 (t, 3-CH₂ CH₂), 26.06 (q, NCH₃), 22.08 (t, 3-CH₂).

The above N-methylpropanamide (0.75 g) was treated with S₂ Cl₂ as above, then the product mixture obtained after workup was treated successively with NaBH₄ then H₂ O₂ as described above. The resulting oil was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with EtOAc, to give firstly 2,2'-thiobis[N-methyl-3-(3-indolyl)propanamide] [VI: n=1; R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ CONHMe] (0.13 g, 16%); mp (EtOAc/benzene/light petroleum) 120°-123° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ10.50 (1H, s, NH), 7.54 (1H, d, J=7.9 Hz, ArH), 7.31 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz, ArH), 7.14 (1H, ddd, J=8.1, 7.1, 1.0 Hz, ArH), 7.04 (1H, ddd, J=7.9, 7.0, 0.9 Hz, ArH), 5.31 (1H, br d, J=4.9 Hz, NHCH₃), 3.47 (2H, m, 3-CH₂), 2.80 (2H, m, 3-CH₂ CH₂), 2.60 (3H, d, J=4.9 Hz, NHCH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ174.25 (s, CONH), 137.17, 126.67, 125.39 (3xs, Ar), 122.51, 118.88, 118.58 (3xd, Ar), 117.62 (s, Ar), 111.43 (d, Ar), 36.01 (t, 3-CH₂ CH₂), 26.27 (q, NCH₃), 21.02 (t, 3-CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₂₄ H₂₆ N₄ O₂ S.C₆ H₆ requires: C, 70.3; H, 6.3; N, 10.9; S, 6.3%.

Found: C, 70.1; H, 6.2; N, 11.0; S, 6.0%.

Further elution with EtOAc gave 2,2'-dithiobis[N-methyl-3-(3-indolyl)propanamide] (51) [V: n=2; R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ CONHMe] (0.29 g, 34%); mp (EtOAc/benzene/light petroleum) 162.5°-164° C.

¹ H NMR (CD₃ CD): δ7.50 (1H, dr, J=8.1, 0.8 Hz, ArH), 7.33 (1H, dr, J=8.2, 0.8 Hz, ArH), 7.18 (1H, ddd, J=8.1, 7.0, 1.0 Hz, ArH), 7.02 (1H, ddd, J=8.0, 7.1, 0.8 Hz, ArH), 2.71 (2H, m, 3-CH₂), 2.49 (3H, s, NCH₃), 2.02 (2 H, m, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

¹³ C NMR: δ175.76 (s, CONH), 139.27, 128.33, 127.01 (3xs, Ar), 124.80, (d, Ar), 123.92 (s, Ar), 120.48, 120.44, 112.48 (3xd, Ar), 38.44 (t, 3-CH₂ CH₂), 26.32 (q, NCH₃), 21.95 (t, 3-CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₂₄ H₂₆ N₄ O₂ S₂ requires: C, 61.8; H, 5.6; N, 12.0; S, 13.7%.

Found: C, 61.7; H, 5.7; N, 12.2; S, 13.7%.

Compound 52 of Table 1

A solution of 3-(3-indolyl)propanoic acid [II: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ COOH] (0.70 g), triethylamine (5 mL) and methoxyamine hydrochloride (0.90 g) in THF (20 mL) was stirred at 20° C. for 3 hours, then cooled to 0° C. DEPC (98%, 0.70 mL ) was added, then the mixture was stirred at 20° C. for 18 hours. The reaction was then quenched with water and extracted with EtOAc. Evaporation gave an oil which was purified by chromatography on silica gel. Elution with EtOAc:light petroleum (1:1) gave foreruns, then elution with EtOAc:light petroleum (3: 1) gave N-methoxy-3-(3-indolyl)propanamide [II: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ CONHOMe] (0.50 g, 62%); mp (CH₂ Cl₂ /light petroleum) 116°-118° C. (Kononova V. V., Vereshchagin A. L., Polyachenka V. M., Semenov A. A., Khim.-Farm. Zh. 1978;12:30 record mp 114°-115° C.).

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ10.97, 10.77 (2x1H, 2xs, 2xNH), 7.51 (1H, d, J=7.8 Hz, ArH), 7.32 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz, ArH), 7.09 (1H, s, H-2), 7.06 (1H, td, J=8.0, 1.0 Hz, ArH), 6.97 (1H, td, J=8.0, 0.9 Hz, ArH), 3.55 (3H, s, NHOCH₃), 2.91, 2.30 (2x2H, 2xt, J=7.6 Hz, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

¹³ C NMR: δ168.72 (s, CONH), 136.13, 126.87 (2xs, Ar), 122.14, 120.83, 118.21, 118.09 (4xd, Ar), 113.30 (s, Ar), 111.23 (d, Ar), 63.00 (q, OCH₃), 33.20 (t, 3-CH₂ CH₂), 20.53 (t, 3-CH₂).

The above N-methoxypropanamide (1.00 g) was treated with S₂ Cl₂ as above, then the product mixture obtained after workup was treated successively with NaBH₄ then H₂ O₂ as described above. The resulting oil was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with EtOAc:light petroleum (3:2), to give firstly 2,2'-thiobis[N-methoxy-3-(3-indolyl)propanamide] [VI: n=1; R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ CONHOMe] (0.12 g, 11%); mp (EtOAc/light petroleum) 157.5°-158.5° C.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ11.02, 10.95 (2x1H, 2xs, 2xNH), 7.53 (1H, d, J=7.9 Hz, ArH), 7.25 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz, ArH), 7.09 (1H, t, J=7.5 Hz, ArH), 6.99 (1H, t, J=7.4 Hz, ArH), 3.52 (3H, s, NHOCH₃), 3.17, 2.31 (2x2H, 2xt, J=7.5 Hz, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

¹³ C NMR: δ168.73 (s, CONH), 136.75, 126.79, 123.29 (3xs, Ar), 122.23 (d, Ar), 118.78 (d, 2C, Ar), 118.00 (s, Ar), 111.08 (d, Ar), 63.04 (q, OCH₃), 33.43 (t, 3-CH₂ CH₂), 20.46 (t, 3-CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₂₄ H₂₆ N₄ O₄ S requires: C, 61.8; H, 5.6; N, 12.0; S, 6.9%.

Found: C, 61.6; H, 5.8; N, 12.2; S, 6.9%.

Elution with EtOAc gave 2,2'-dithiobis[N-methoxy-3-(3-indolyl) propanamide](52) [VI: n=2; R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ CONHOMe] (0.35 g, 31%); mp (EtOAc/light petroleum) 176°-178° C.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ11.39, 10.73 (2x1H, 2xs, 2xNH), 7.51 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, ArH), 7.32 (1H, d, J=8.2 Hz, ArH), 7.16 (1H, t, J=7.7 Hz, ArH), 7.00 (1H, t, J=7.5 Hz, ArH), 3.41 (3H, s, NHOCH₃), 2.65, 2.01 (2x2H, 2xt, J=7.4 Hz, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

¹³ C NMR: δ168.21 (s, CONH), 137.42, 126.52, 125.16 (3xs, Ar), 123.37 (d, Ar), 122.20 (s, Ar), 119.48, 118.96, 111.48 (3xd, Ar), 62.91 (q, OCH₃), 33.79 (t, 3-CH₂ CH₂), 20.09 (t, 3-CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₂₄ H₂₆ N₄ O₄ S₂ requires: C, 57.8; H, 5.2; N, 11.2; S, 12.9%.

Found: C, 57.6; H, 5.4; N, 11.3; S, 12.7%.

Compound 53 of Table 1

DEPC (98%, 1.28 mL) was added to a stirred solution of 3-(3-indolyl) propanoic acid [II: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ COOH] (1.04 g) and triethylamine (1.15 mL) in THF (15 mL) at 0° C. After 5 minutes the solution was saturated with dimethylamine gas, then the mixture was stirred at 20° C. for 16 hours. Workup as above and chromatography on silica gel, eluting with EtOAc, gave N,N-dimethyl 3-(3-indolyl)propanamide [II: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ CONMe₂ ] (0.90 g, 76%); mp (CH₂ Cl₂ /light petroleum) 141°-142 ° C. (Avramenko V. G., Suvorov N. N., Mashkovskii M. D., Mushulov P. I., Eryshev BYa, Fedorova V. S., Orlova I. A., Trubitsyna T. K., Khim.-Farm Zh, 1970; 4:10 record mp 139°-140.5° C.).

¹ H NMR (CD₃ OD): δ7.53 (1H, dr, J=7.9, 0.9 Hz, ArH), 7.32 (1H, dr, J=8.1, 0.8 Hz, ArH) 7.07 (1H, ddd, J=8.1, 7.0, 1.1 Hz, ArH), 7.04 (s, H-2), 6.99 (1H, ddd, J=7.9, 7.0, 0.9 Hz, ArH), 3.05 (2H, m, 3-CH₂), 2.88, 2.86 (2x3H, 2xs, N(CH₃)₂, 2.73 (2H, m, 3-CH₂ CH₂),

¹³ C NMR: δ175.75 (s, CON(CH₃)₂), 138.20, 128.59 (2xs, Ar), 123.11, 122.36, 119.61, 119.24 (4xd, At), 115.16 (s, Ar), 112.26 (d, Ar), 37.89, 35.82 (2xq, N(CH₃)₂), 35.30 (t, 3-CH₂ CH₂), 22.32 (t, 3-CH₂).

The above dimethylpropanamide (0.82 g) was treated with S₂ Cl₂ as above, then the product mixture obtained after workup was treated successively with NaBH₄ then H₂ O₂ as described above. The resulting oil was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with EtOAc:light petroleum (3:2), to give firstly 2,2'-thiobis[N,N-dimethyl-3-(3-indolyl)propanamide][VI: n=1; R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ CONHMe₂ ] (0.12 g, 14%); mp (EtOAc/light petroleum) 189°-190° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ10.72 (br s, 1 H, NH), 7.55 (1H, d, J=7.9 Hz, ArH), 7.24 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz, ArH), 7.10 (ddd, J=8.0, 7.1, 0.9 Hz, 1 H, ArH), 7.02 (dd, J=7.9, 7.1 Hz, 1 H, ArH), 3.47, 2.97 (2x2H, 2xm, 3-CH₂ CH₂), 2.95, 2.91 (2x3H, 2xs, N(CH₃)₂).

¹³ C NMR: δ173.36 (s, CON(CH₃)₂), 137.15, 126.92, 125.55 (3xs, Ar), 122.26, 118.68, 118.58 (3xd, Ar), 118.02 (s, Ar), 111.35 (d, Ar), 37.49, 35.74 (2xq, N(CH₃)₂), 32.14 (t, 3-CH₂ CH₂), 20.54 (t,3-CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₂₆ H₃₀ N₄ O₂ S requires: C, 67.5; H, 6.5; N, 12.1; S, 6.9%.

Found: C, 67.4; H, 6.6; N, 12.0; S, 7.2%.

Elution with EtOAc gave 2,2'-dithiobis[N,N-dimethyl-3-(3-indolyl)propanamide] (53) [VI: n=2; R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ CONMe₂ ] (0.49 g, 52%); mp (EtOAc) 179°-180° C.

¹ H NMR (CD₃ OD): δ7.45 (1H, dr, J=8.0, 0.8 Hz, ArH), 7.32 (1H, dr, J=8.2, 0.8 Hz, ArH), 7.17 (1H, ddd, J=8.2, 7.1, 1.1 Hz, ArH), 7.01 (1H, ddd, J=8.0, 7.1, 0.9 Hz, ArH), 2.72 (2H, m, 3-CH₂ CH₂), 2.71, 2.44 (2x3H, 2xs, N(CH₃)₂), 2.09 (2H, m, 3-CH₂ CH₂).sub.

¹³ C NMR: δ174.68 (s, CON(CH₃)₂), 139.43, 128.26, 126.61 (3xs, Ar), 124.85 (d, Ar), 123.84 (s, Ar), 120.55, 120.28, 112.51 (3xd, Ar), 37.57 (q, NCH₃), 35.69 (t, 3-CH₂ CH₂), 35.60 (q, NCH₃), 21.49 (t, 3-CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₂₆ H₃₀ N₄ O₂ S₂ requires: C, 63.2; H, 6.1; N, 11.3; S, 13.0%.

Found: C, 63.2; H, 6.2; N, 11.3; S, 13.1%.

Compound 54 of Table 1

DEPC (98%, 0.69 mL) was added to a stirred solution of 3-(3-indolyl)propanoic acid [II: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ COOH] (0.70 g) and phenethylamine (1.1 mL) in THF (15 mL) at 0° C., then the mixture was stirred at 20° C. for 3 hours. Workup and chromatography on silica gel, eluting with EtOAc/light petroleum (1: 1) gave N-(2-phenylethyl)-3-(3-indolyl)propanamide [II: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ CONH(CH₂)₂ Ph] (0.58 g, 54%); mp (EtOAc/light petroleum) 88°-89° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ8.02 (1H, br s, NH), 7.58 (1H, d, J=7.9 Hz, ArH), 7.36 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz, ArH), 7.24-7.15 (4H, m, ArH), 7.12 (1H, ddd, J=7.9, 7.0, 0.8 Hz, ArH), 6.99 (2H, dd, J=7.4, 1.7 Hz, ArH), 6.95 (1H, d, J=2.2 Hz, H-2), 5.34 (1H, br t, J=6.0 Hz, NHCH₂), 3.44 (2H, q, J=6.6 Hz, NHCH₂), 3.09 (2H, t, J=7.3 Hz, 3-CH₂), 2.66 (2H, t, J=6.9 Hz, NHCH₂ CH₂), 2.52 (2H, t, J=7.3 Hz, 3-CHCH₂).

¹³ C NMR: δ172.64 (s, CONH), 138.90, 136.38 (2xs, Ar), 128.71, 128.58 (2xd, 2x2C, Ar), 127.13 (s, Ar), 126.41, 122.10, 121.77, 119.37, 118.72 (5xd, Ar), 114.95 (s, Ar), 111.23 (d, Ar), 40.48, 37.42, 35.62 (3xt, 3-CH₂ CH₂ CONH(CH₂)₂), 21.35 (t, 3-CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₁₉ H₂₀ N₂ O requires: C, 78.1; H, 6.9; N, 9.6%.

Found: C, 77.9; H, 7.0; N, 9.6%.

The above phenylethylpropanamide (0.53 g) was treated with S₂ Cl₂ as above, then the product mixture obtained after workup was treated successively with NaBH₄ then H₂ O₂ as described above. The resulting oil was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with EtOAc:light petroleum (1:2), to give firstly 2,2'-thiobis[N-(2-phenylethyl) -3-(3-indolyl)propanamide] [VI: n=1; R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ CONH(CH₂)₂ Ph] (0.13 g, 23%); mp (EtOAc/light petroleum) 120°-121.5° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ10.69 (1H, s, NH), 7.55 (1H, d, J=7.9 Hz, ArH), 7.35 (1H, d, J=8.2 Hz, ArH), 7.17 (1 H, ddd, J=8.1, 7.1, 1.0 H z, ArH), 7.08 (1 H, ddd, J=8.0, 0.9 Hz, ArH), 7.02 (1H, t, J=7.4 Hz, ArH), 6.93 (2H, t, J=7.4 Hz, ArH), 6.33 (2H, d, J=7.2 Hz, ArH), 5.26 (1H, t, J=5.9 Hz, NHCH₂), 3.51 (2H, m, 3-CH₂), 3.14 (2H, q, J=6.6 Hz, NHCH₂), 2.77 (2H, m, 3-CH₂ CH₂), 1.92 (2H, t, J=6.8 Hz, NHCH₂ CH₂).

¹³ C NMR: δ173.62 (s, CONH), 138.20, 137.33 (2xs, Ar), 128.40, 128.36 (2xd, 2x2C, Ar), 126.76 (s, Ar), 126.16 (d, Ar), 125.51 (s, Ar), 122.78, 119.17, 118.70 (3xd, Ar), 117.57 (s, Ar), 111.70 (d, Ar), 40.49, 36.43, 35.46 (3xt, 3-CH₂ CH₂ CONH(CH₂)₂), 21.35 (t, 3-CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₃₈ H₃₈ N₄ O₂ S requires: C, 74.2; H, 6.2; N, 9.1; S, 5.2%.

Found: C, 74.4; H, 6.4; N, 9.0; S, 5.2.%

Elution with EtOAc:light petroleum (2:3) gave 2,2'-dithiobis[N-(2-phenylethyl) -3-(3-indolyl)propanamide] (54) [VI: n=2; R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ CONH(CH₂)₂ Ph] (0.36 g, 61%) as an oil.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ8.42 (1H, s, NH), 7.51 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, ArH), 7.32-7.16 (5H, m, A/H), 7.04 (3H, m, ArH), 4.63 (1H, t, J=5.9 Hz, NHCH₂), 3.23 (2H, q, J=6.7 Hz, NHCH₂, 2.85 (t, J=7.8 Hz, 3-CH₂), 2.59 (2H, t, J=7.0 Hz, NHCH₂ CH₂), 1.81 (2H, t, J=7.8 Hz, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

¹³ C NMR: δ171.95 (s, CONH), 139.15, 137.23 (2xs, Ar), 128.87, 128.55 (2xd, 2x2C, Ar), 127.02 (s, Ar), 126.39 (d, Ar), 125.50 (s, Ar), 124.33 (d, Ar), 123.98 (s, Ar), 120.11, 119.88, 111.17 (3xd, Ar), 40.62, 37.37, 35.58 (3xt, 3-CH₂ H₂ CONH(CH₂)₂), 20.64 (t, 3-CH₂).

HRFABMS m/z calculated for C₃₈ H₃₉ N₄ O₂ S₂ : 647.2514 (MH⁺)

Found: 647.2471.

Compounds 55 and 56 of Table 1

A solution of 3-(3-indolyl)propanoic acid [II: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ COOH] (0.80 g), triethylamine (10 mL) and methyl 4-(aminomethyl) benzoate hydrochloride (Nair M. G., Baugh C. M., J, Org. Chem. 1973;38:2185) (1.29 g) in THF (20 mL) was stirred at 20° C. for 15 minutes, then cooled to 0° C. DEPC (98%, 1.00 mL) was added, then the mixture was stirred at 20° C. for 18 hours. Workup and chromatography on silica gel, eluting with EtOAc:light petroleum (5:3) gave N-(4-methoxycarbonylbenzyl)-3-(3-indolyl)propanamide [II: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ CONHCH₂ Ph{4-COOMe}] (1.10 g, 77%); mp (CH₂ Cl₂ /light petroleum) 130°-132° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ6 8.08 (1H, s, NH), 7.88 (2H, d, J=8.2 Hz, ArH), 7.60 (1H, d, J=7.8 Hz, ArH), 7.36 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz, ArH), 7.19 (1H, ddd, J=8.1, 7.1, 0.9 Hz, ArH), 7.11 (1H, ddd, J=7.9, 7.2, 0.7 Hz, ArH), 7.06 (2H, d, J=8.2 Hz, ArH), 6.94 (1H, d, J=2.3 Hz, H-2), 5.74 (1H, br t, J=5.9 Hz, NHCH₂), 4.38 (2H, d, J=5.9 Hz, NHCH₂), 3.90 (3H, s, OCH₃), 3.15, 2.63 (2x2H, 2xt, J=7.2 Hz, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

¹³ C NMR: δ172.68 (s, CONH), 166.87 (s, COOCH₃), 143.50, 136.37 (2xs, Ar), 129.80 (2xd, Ar), 129.10 (s, Ar), 127.28 (2xd, Ar), 127.03 (s, Ar), 122.11, 121.92, 119.41, 118.64 (4xd, Ar), 114.66 (s, Ar), 111.27 (d, Ar), 52.09 (q, OCH₃), 43.05 (t, NHCH₂), 37.37 (t, 3-CH₂ CH₂), 21.39 (t, 3-CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₂₀ H₂₀ N₂ O₃ requires: C, 71.4; H, 6.0; N, 8.3%.

Found: C, 71.1; H, 5.7; N, 8.4%.

The above methoxycarbonylbenzylpropanamide (1.08 g) was treated with S₂ Cl₂ as above, then the product mixture obtained after workup was treated successively with NaBH₄ then H₂ O₂ as described above. The resulting oil was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with EtOAc:light petroleum (2:3), to give firstly 2,2'-thiobis[N-(4-methoxycarbonylbenzyl)-3-(3-indolyl)propanamide] [VI: n=1; R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ CONHCH₂ Ph{4-COOMe}] (0.18 g, 16%); mp (MeOH/dilute HCl) 101°-104.5° C. (dec).

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ10.28 (1H, s, NH), 7.47 (1H, d, J=7.7 Hz, ArH), 7.45 (2H, d, J=8.4 Hz, ArH), 7.05 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, ArH), 6.97 (1H, ddd, J=8.0, 6.9, 1.1 Hz, ArH), 6.91 (1H, ddd, J=7.9, 6.8, 1.1 Hz, ArH), 6.61 (2H, d, J=8.3 Hz, ArH), 6.34 (1H, br t, J=5.8 Hz, NHCH₂), 4.40 (2H, d, J=5.9 Hz, NHCH₂), 3.79 (3H, s, OCH₃) 3.54, 2.97 (2x2H, 2xm, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

¹³ C NMR: δ174.37 (S, CONH), 166.75 (S, COOCH₃), 142.31, 137.15 (2xS, Ar), 129.35 (d, 2C, Ar), 128.39, 126.52 (2xs, Ar), 126.24 (d, 2C, Ar), 125.30 (s, Ar), 122.65, 118.87, 118.49 (3xd, Ar), 117.92 (s, Ar), 111.31 (d, Ar), 51.95 (q, OCH₃), 43.22 (t, NHCH₂), 36.34 (t, 3-CH₂ CH₂), 21.17 (t, 3-CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₄₀ H₃₈ N₄ O₆ S.0.5H₂ O requires: C, 67.5; H, 5.5; N, 7.9%.

Found: C, 67.4; H, 5.4; N, 8.1%.

Elution with EtOAc:light petroleum (1:1) gave 2,2'-dithiobis[N-(4-methoxycarbonylbenzyl)-3-(3-indolyl)propanamide] (55) [VI: n=2; R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ CONHCH₂ Ph{4-COOMe}] (0.50 g, 42%); mp (EtOAc/light petroleum) 151°-153° C.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ11.42 (1H, s, NH), 8.06 (1H, t, J=5.7 Hz, NHCH₂), 7.81 (2H, d, J=8.2 Hz, ArH), 7.55 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, ArH), 7.34 (1H, d, J=8.2 Hz, ArH), 7.17 (1H, t, J=7.6 Hz, ArH), 7.11 (2H, d, J=8.1 Hz, ArH), 6.99 (1H, t, J=7.5 Hz, ArH), 4.19 (2H, d, J=5.8 Hz, NHCH₂), 3.84 (3H, s, OCH₃), 2.73, 2.24 (2x2 H, 2 xt, J=7.5 H z, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

¹³ C NMR: δ171.48 (s, CONH), 166.00 (s, COOCH₃), 145.01, 137.37 (2xs, Ar), 128.98 (d, 2C, Ar), 127.84 (s, Ar), 127.01 (d, 2C, Ar), 126.53, 125.21 (2xs, Ar), 123.24 (d, Ar), 122.39 (s, Ar), 119.57, 118.86, 111.38 (3xd, Ar), 51.93 (q, OCH₃), 41.62 (t, NHCH₂), 36.65 (t, 3-CH₂ CH₂), 20.38 (t, 3-CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₄₀ H₃₈ N₄ O₆ S₂ requires: C, 65.4; H, 5.2; N, 7.6; S, 8.7%.

Found: C, 65.5; H, 5.5; N, 7.3; S, 8.8%.

Hydrolysis of 55 (0.24 g) with K₂ CO₃ in MeOH/water at 30° C. for 1 day, then 50° C. for 1 hour, under nitrogen as above gave an oil. Chromatography on silica gel, eluting with EtOAc:light petroleum (1:1) containing 1% AcOH, gave 2,2'-dithiobis[N-(4-carboxybenzyl)-3-(3-indolyl)propanamide] (56) [VI: n -2; R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ CONHCH₂ Ph{4-COOH}] (60 mg, 26%); mp (MeOH/dilute HCl) 135.5°-138.5° C. (decomposed).

¹ H NMR (CD₃)₂ SO): δ11.41 (1H, s, NH), 8.03 (1H, t, J=5.8 Hz, NHCH₂), 7.79 (2H, d, J=8.2 Hz, ArH), 7.55 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, ArH), 7.33 (1H, d, J=8.2 Hz, ArH), 7.16 (1H, t, J=7.6 Hz, ArH), 7.09 (2H, d, J=8.1 Hz, ArH), 6.99 (1H, t, J=7.5 Hz, ArH), 4.18 (2H, d, J=5.8 Hz, NHCH₂), 2.73, 2.23 (2x2H, 2xt, J=7.5 Hz, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

¹³ C NMR: δ171.44 (s, CONH), 167.10 (s, COOH), 144.46, 137.37 (2xs, Ar), 129.14 (d, 2C, Ar), 129.05 (s, Ar), 126.87 (d, 2C, Ar), 126.53, 125.18 (2xs, Ar), 123.23 (d, Ar), 122.40 (s, Ar), 119.58, 118.85, 111.37 (3xd, Ar), 41.65 (t, NHCH₂), 36.42 (t, 3-CHCH₂), 20.37 (t, 3-CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₃₈ H₃₄ N₄ O₆ S₂.H₂ O requires: C, 63.0; H, 5.0; N, 7.7; S, 8.8%.

Found: C, 62.5; H, 5.2; N, 8.2; S, 8.8%.

Compounds 57 and 58 of Table 1

A stirred solution of methyl 2-acetoxy-4-bromomethylbenzoate (Regnier G, Canevari R, Le Douarec J-C, Bull. Soc. Chim. Fr, 1966:2821) (10.7 g) and hexamethylenetetramine (17.1 g) in CHCl₃ (150 mL) was refluxed for 5 hours, then the solvent was removed (method of Meindl W, v Angerer E, Ruckdeschel G, Schonenberger H, Arch. Pharm. (Weinheim) 1982;315:941). The residue was stirred with MeOH (60 mL) and concentrated HCl (30 mL) at 20° C. for 10 minutes, then the solvent removed. Treatment of the solid residue twice more with HCl/MeOH and evaporation gave a solid, which was washed with CH₂ Cl₂, then treated with saturated KHCO₃ solution. The base was extracted with EtOAc and CH₂ Cl₂, then the solvents removed. The crude hydrochloride salt (5.30 g, 70% pure) was precipitated from an ethereal solution of the base upon the addition of HCl gas. A subsample of the above crude base was purified by chromatography on silica gel, eluting with EtOAc/light petroleum (1:2). Acidification of a solution of the purified base gave pure methyl 4-(aminomethyl) -2-hydroxybenzoate hydrochloride; mp (CH₂ Cl₂ /light petroleum) 225°-227° C.

¹ H NMR (CD₃)₂ SO): δ10.56 (1H, s, OH), 8.58 (3H, br s, NH₃ ⁺), 7.78 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz, H-6), 7.14 (1H, s, H-3), 7.05 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz, H-5), 4.01 (2H, br s, 4-CH₂), 3.88 (3H, s, OCH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ168.81 (s, COOCH₃), 159.80 (s, C-2), 141.84 (s, C-4), 130.25 (d, C-6), 119.61 (d, C-5), 117.48 (d, C-3), 112.90 (s, C-1), 52.53 (q, OCH₃), 41.63 (t, 4-CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₉ H₁₁ NO₃.HCl.0.5H₂ O requires: C, 47.7; H, 5.8; N, 6.2; C1, 15.7%.

Found: C, 47.9; H, 5.8; N, 6.3; C1, 15.9%.

A solution of 3-(3-indolyl)propanoic acid [II: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ COOH] (1.50 g), triethylamine (10 mL) and crude methyl 4-(aminomethyl)-2-hydroxybenzoate hydrochloride (3.46 g) in DMF (20 mL) was stirred at 20° C. for 10 minutes, then cooled to 0° C. DEPC (98%, 1.47 mL) was added, then the mixture was stirred at 20° C. for 17 hours. Workup and chromatography on silica gel, eluting with EtOAc:light petroleum (1: 1) gave N-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxycarbonyl-benzyl) -3-(3-indolyl)propanamide [II: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ CONHCH₂ Ph{3-OH, 4-COOMe}] (1.40 g, 50%); mp (EtOAc/light petroleum) 132°-133° C.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ10.76 (1H, br s, NH), 10.50 (1H, s, OH), 8.41 (1H, t, J=5.8 Hz, NHCH₂), 7.70 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz, ArH), 7.54 (1H, d, J=7.8 Hz, ArH), 7.33 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz, ArH), 7.10 (1H, d, J=2.2 Hz, H-2), 7.06 (1H, ddd, J=8.0, 7.1, 0.9 Hz, ArH), 6.97 (1H, ddd, J=7.8, 7.0, 0.8 Hz, ArH), 6.83 (1H, d, J=1.4 Hz, ArH), 6.74 (1H, dd, J=8.2, 1.4 Hz, ArH), 4.27 (2H, d, J=6.0 Hz, NHCH₂), 3.88 (3H, s, OCH₃), 2.96, 2.54 (2x2H, 2xt, J=7.7 Hz, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

¹³ C NMR: δ172.05 (s, CONH), 169.14 (s, COOCH₃), 160.10, 148.27, 136.22 (3xs, Ar), 129.92 (d, Ar), 126.98 (s, Ar), 122.14, 120.84, 118.30, 118.12, 118.09, 115.41 (6xd, Ar), 113.68 (s, Ar), 111.27 (d, Ar), 111.20 (s, Ar), 52.34 (q, OCH₃), 41.67 (t, NHCH₂), 36.23 (t, 3-CH₂ CH₂), 21.00 (t, 3-CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₂₀ H₂₀ N₂ O₄ requires: C, 68.2; H, 5.7; N, 8.0%.

Found: C, 68.3; H, 5.9; N, 8.0%.

A solution of acetyl chloride (0.42 mL) in THF (5 mL) was added to a stirred solution of the above propanamide (1.22 g) and triethylamine (1.00 mL) in THF (15 mL) at 0° C., then the mixture was stirred at 20° C. for 18 hours. The reaction was then quenched with water (100 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (3×100 mL). Evaporation and chromatography on silica gel, eluting with EtOAc:light petroleum (2:1) gave N-(3-acetoxy-4-methoxycarbonylbenzyl)-3-(3-indolyl)propanamide [II: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ CONHCH₂ Ph{3-OAc, 4-COOMe}] (1.28 g, 94%) as an oil.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ8.18 (1H, br s, NH), 7.87 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz, ArH), 7.57 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, ArH), 7.31 (1H, dr, J=8.1, 0.8 Hz, ArH), 7.17 (1H, ddd, J=8.1, 7.0, 1.1 Hz, ArH), 7.09 (1H, ddd, J=7.9, 7.0, 0.9 Hz, ArH), 6.97 (1H, dd, J=8.1, 1.6 Hz, ArH), 6.84 (1H, d, J=1.5 Hz, ArH), 6.77 (1H, d, J=2.3 Hz, H-2), 5.67 (1H, br t, J=5.8 Hz, NHCH₂), 4.31 (2H, d, J=6.0 Hz, NHCH₂), 3.87 (3H, s, COOCH₃), 3.11, 2.58 (2x2H, 2xt, J=6.9 Hz, 3-CH₂ CH₂), 2.36 (3H, s, OCOCH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ172.84 (s, CONH), 170.14 (s, OCOCH₃), 164.64 (s, COOCH₃), 150.82, 145.26, 136.33 (3xs, Ar), 132.04 (d, Ar), 126.85 (s, Ar), 125.42, 122.93, 122.31, 121.95 (4xd, Ar), 121.87 (s, Ar), 119.28, 118.52 (2xd, Ar), 114.08 (s, Ar), 111.36 (d, Ar), 52.23 (q, OCH₃), 42.62 (t, NHCH₂), 37.32 (t, 3-CH₂ CH₂), 21.46 (t, 3-CH₂), 21.06 (q, OCOCH₃).

HREIMS m/z calculated for C₂₂ H₂₂ N₂ O₅ : 394.1529 (M⁺).

Found: 394.1526.

The above 0-acetate (1.47 g) was treated with S₂ Cl₂ as above, then the product mixture obtained after workup was treated successively with NaBH₄ then H₂ O₂ as described above. Hydrolysis of the resulting oil with excess KHCO₃ in MeOH/water at 20° C. for 1 hour (to remove the acetate group) gave an oil which was purified by chromatography on silica gel. Elution with EtOAc: light petroleum (1:2) gave firstly 2,2'-thiobis[N-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxycarbonylbenzyl)-3-(3-indolyl) propanamide] [VI: n=1; R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ CONHCH₂ Ph{3-OAc, 4-COOMe}] (0.12 g, 9%); mp (MeOH/dilute HCl) 109°-112° C. (decomposed).

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ10.50 (1H, s, OH), 10.17 (1H, s, NH), 7.49 (1H, d, J=7.9 Hz, ArH), 7.31 (1H, d, J=8.2 Hz, ArH), 7.19 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz, ArH), 7.07 (1H, ddd, J=8.0, 7.1, 0.8 Hz, ArH), 6.97 (1H, ddd, J=7.8, 7.2, 0.6 Hz, ArH), 6.32 (1H, d, J=1.1 Hz, ArH), 5.98 (1H, dd, J=8.2, 1.5 Hz, ArH), 5.72 (1H, t, J=5.7 Hz, NHCH₂), 4.22 (2H, d, J=5.7 Hz, NHCH₂), 3.86 (3H, s, OCH₃), 3.50, 2.88 (2x2H, 2xm, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

¹³ C NMR: δ173.77 (s, CONH), 170.06 (s, COOCH₃), 161.36, 145.57, 137.16 (3xs, Ar), 130.02 (d, Ar), 126.62, 125.16 (2xs, Ar), 122.69, 119.13, 118.43 (3xd, Ar), 117.65 (s, Ar), 117.40, 115.51, 111.53 (3xd, Ar), 111.07 (s, Ar), 52.18 (q, OCH₃), 43.19 (t, NHCH₂), 36.32 (t, 3-CH₂ CH₂), 21.22 (t, 3-CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₄₀ H₃₈ N₄ O₈ S requires: C, 65.4; H, 5.2; N, 7.6; S, 4.4%.

Found: C, 65.2; H, 5.1; N, 7.4; S, 4.4%.

Elution with EtOAc: light petroleum (2:3) gave 2,2'-dithiobis IN-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxycarbonylbenzyl) 3-(3-indolyl)propanamide] (57) IV: n=2; R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ CONHCH₂ Ph{3-OH, 4-COOMe}] (0.38 g, 27%); mp (MeOH) 183°-185° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ10.80 (1H, s, OH), 8.65 (1H, s, NH), 7.67 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz, ArH), 7.52 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, ArH), 7.27 (1H, d, J=7.7 Hz, ArH), 7.15 (1H, ddd, J=8.1, 7.2, 0.9 Hz, Ar), 7.01 (1H, ddd, J=7.9, 7.2, 0.7 Hz, ArH), 6.55 (1H, d, J=1.5 Hz, ArH), 6.52 (1H, dd, J=8.2, 1.5 Hz, ArH), 5.10 (1H, t, J=5.9 Hz, NHCH₂), 4.13 (2H, d, J=6.0 Hz, NHCH₂), 3.94 (3H, s, OCH₃), 2.88, 1.94 (2x2H, 2xt, J=7.7 Hz, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

¹³ C NMR: δ172.12 (s, CON]{), 170.39 (s, COOCH₃), 161.55, 146.95, 137.29 (3xs, Ar), 130.09 (d, Ar), 127.01, 125.87 (2xs, Ar), 124.39 (d, Ar), 123.79 (s, Ar), 120.16, 119.86, 118.34, 115.69, 111.37 (5xd, Ar), 111.20 (s, Ar), 52.31 (q, OCH₃), 42.82 (t, NHCH₂), 37.09 (t, 3-CH₂ CH₂), 20.54 (t, 3-CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₄₀ H₃₈ N₄ O₈ S₂ requires: C, 62.7; H, 5.0; N, 7.3; S, 8.4%.

Found: C, 62.5; H, 4.9; N, 7.3; S, 8.4%.

Hydrolysis of 57 (0.28 g) with K₂ CO₃ in MeOH/water at 50° C. for 5 hours, under nitrogen as above, gave an oil. Chromatography on silica gel, eluting with EtOAc: light petroleum (1: 1) containing 1% AcOH, gave 2,2'-dithiobis[N-(4-carboxy-3-hydroxybenzyl)-3-(3-indolyl)propanamide] (58) [VI: n -2; R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ CONHCH₂ Ph{3-OH, 4-COOH}] (72 mg, 27%); mp (MeOH/dilute HCl) 160°-163.5° C. (dec).

¹ H NMR (CD₃)₂ SO): δ11.39 (1H, s, NH), 8.03 (1H, t, J=5.9 Hz, NHCH₂), 7.65 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz, ArH), 7.54 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, ArH), 7.32 (1H, d, J=8.2 Hz, ArH), 7.16 (1 H, ddd, J=8.1, 7.1, 1.0 H z, ArH), 6.99 (1H, ddd, J=7.8, 7.1, 0.7 Hz, ArH), 6.72 (1H, d, J=1.3 Hz, ArH), 6.57 (1H, dd, J=8.2, 1.4 Hz, ArH), 4.13 (2H, d, J=5.9 Hz, NHCH₂), 2.75, 2.24 (2x2H, 2xt, J=7.8 Hz, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

¹³ C NMR: δ171.70 (s, CONH), 171.47 (s, CO0]{), 161.04, 147.83, 137.37 (3xs, Ar), 130.08 (d, Ar), 126.51, 125.11 (2xs, Ar), 123.25 (d, Ar), 122.42 (s, Ar), 119.49, 118.86, 117.73, 115.09, 111.41 (5xd, Ar), 111.21 (s, Ar), 41.67 (t, NHCH₂), 36.63 (t, 3-CH₂ CH₂), 20.41 (t, 3-CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₃₈ H₃₄ N₄ O₈ S₂.H₂ O requires: C, 60.3; H, 4.8; N, 7.4; S, 8.5%.

Found: C, 60.2; H, 4.9; N, 7.1; S, 8.5%.

Compound 59 of Table 1

3-(3-Indolyl)propanoic acid [II: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ COOH] (0.95 g) was treated with S₂ Cl₂ as above, then the product mixture obtained after workup was treated successively with NaBH₄ then H₂ O₂ as described above, to give crude 2,2'-dithiobis[3-(3-indolyl)propanoic acid] [VI: n=2; R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ COOH] (1.12 g) as an oil. DEPC (98%, 1.00 mL) was added to a stirred solution of this oil, triethylamine (0.84 mL) and aniline (1.55 mL) in THF (15 mL) at 0° C., then the mixture was stirred at 20° C. for 1 day. Dilute KOH (0.1M, 100 mL) was added and the mixture stirred for 30 minutes (in an attempt to cleave the DEPC adduct and reform the disulfide), then the mixture extracted with CH₂ Cl₂ (3×100 mL). Evaporation gave an oil which was partly purified by chromatography on silica gel, eluting with EtOAc/light petroleum (2:1). The yellow disulfide was further purified by chromatography on fresh silica gel, eluting with CH₂ Cl₂, then CHCl₃ : EtOH (99:1), to give 2,2'-dithiobis[N -phenyl-3-(3-indolyl)propanamide] (59 ) [VI: n=2; R₁ =R₃ -H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ CONHPh] (0.23 g, 16% overall); mp (CH₂ Cl₂ /benzene) 181°-182.5° C. (an analytical sample recrystallized from CH₂ Cl₂ /light petroleum decomposed above 114° C.).

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ CO): δ10.52 (1H, s, NH), 8.88 (1H, s, NHPh), 7.64 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, ArH), 7.56 (2H, dd, J=7.5, 0.9 Hz, ArH), 7.37 (1H, d, J=8.2 Hz, ArH), 7.24 (2H, dd, J=8.4, 7.5 Hz, ArH(Ph)), 7.16 (1H, ddd, J=8.1, 7.1, 1.1 Hz, ArH), 7.02 (2H, m, ArH), 3.04, 2.54 (2x2H, 2xm, 3-CH₂ CH₂).

¹³ C NMR: δ171.48 (s, CONH), 140.24, 138.80 (2xs, Ar), 129.37 (2xd, Ar), 128.17, 126.81 (2xs, Ar) 124.57, 124.02 (2xd, Ar), 123.86 (s, Ar), 120.62, 120.36 (2xd, Ar), 120.23 (2xbr d, Ar), 112.38 (d, Ar), 38.97 (t, 3-CH₂ CH₂) 21.39 (t, 3-CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₃₄ H₃₀ N₄ O₂ S₂.0.5H₂ O requires: C, 68.1; H, 5.2; N, 9.4; S, 10.7%.

Found: C, 68.3; H, 5.1; N, 9.3; S, 10.9%.

Compound 60 of Table 1

DEPC (98%, 0.72 mL) was added to a stirred solution of DL-N-acetyltryptophan (1.00 g) and benzylamine (2.0 mL) in DMF (10 mL) at 0° C., then the mixture was stirred at 20° C. for 16 hours. The reaction was then quenched with water and extracted with EtOAc. Evaporation gave an oil which was chromatographed on silica gel. Elution with CH₂ Cl₂ and EtOAc gave firstly foreruns, then DL-α-acetylamino-N-benzyl-3-(3-indolyl)propanamide [II: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =CH₂ CH(NHAc)CONHCH₂ Ph] (0.82 g, 60%); mp (CH₂ Cl₂ /light petroleum) 169°-170° C.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ10.80 (1H, s, NH), 8.47 (1H, br t, J=5.8 Hz, NHCH₂), 8.08 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz, CHNH), 7.61 (1H, d, J=7.8 Hz, ArH), 7.33 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz, ArH), 7.26 (2H, dr, J=7.1, 1.5 Hz, ArH), 7.20 (1H, dr, J=7.2, 1.5 Hz, ArH), 7.13 (1]{, m, H-2), 7.12 (2]{, d, J=7.2 Hz, ArH), 7.06 (1H, ddd, J=7.9, 7.1, 0.9 Hz, ArH), 6.97 (1H, ddd, J=7.9, 7.0, 0.9 Hz, ArH), 4.57 (1H, td, J=8.3, 5.7 Hz, 3-CH₂ CH), 4.28, 4.24 (2x1H, 2xdd, J=15.9, 5.9 Hz, NHCH.sub. 2), 3.13 (1H, dd, J=14.4, 5.6 Hz, 3-CH), 2.93 (1H, dd, J=14.4, 8.6 Hz, 3-CH), 1.80 (3H, s, COCH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ171.59 (s, COC]{3), 169.02 (s, CONH), 139.18, 135.99 (2xs, Ar), 128.06 (d, 2C, Ar), 127.21 (s, Ar), 126.87 (d, 2C, Ar), 126.49, 123.47, 120.75, 118.39, 118.10, 111.17 (6xd, Ar), 110.11 (s, Ar), 53.53 (d, CH), 41.91 (t, NHCH₂), 27.92 (t, 3-CH₂), 22.50 (q, CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₂₀ H₂₁ N₃ O₂ requires: C, 71.6; H, 6.3; N, 12.5%.

Found: C, 71.5; H, 6.4; N, 12.6%.

Acidification of the aqueous portion with dilute HCl, extraction with EtOAc and evaporation gave N-acetyltryptophan (0.30 g, 30%);mp (EtOAc/light petroleum) 204°-206° C.

The above α-acetamide (1.25 g) was treated with S₂ Cl₂ as above, then the product mixture obtained after workup was treated successively with NaBH₄ then H₂ O₂ as described above. The resulting oil was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with CH₂ Cl₂ :EtOAc (2:1) to give firstly 2,2'-thiobis[α-acetylamino-N-benzyl-3-(3-indolyl) propanamide] [VI: n=1; R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =CH₂ CH(NHAc)CONHCH₂ Ph] (0.30 g, 23%) as a mixture of diastereoisomers; mp (EtOAc/light petroleum) 190°-194° C.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ10.97, 10.94 (2x1H, 2xs, NH), 8.50, 8.48 (2x1H, 2xbr t, J=5.8 Hz, NHCH₂), 8.17, 8.15 (2x1H, d, J=8.4 Hz, CHNH), 7.63 (2x1H, d, J=7.7 Hz, ArH), 7.3-6.9 (2x8H, m, ArH), 4.75 (2x1H, m, 3-CH₂ CH), 4.27, 4.19 (4x1H, 2xdd, J=16.1, 5.7 Hz, NHCH₂), 3.44 (2x1H, m, 3-CH), 3.18 (2x1H, m, 3-CH), 1.79 (2x3H, 2xs, COCH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ171.20, 171.18 (2xs, COCH₃), 169.13 (s, 2C, CONH), 138.83, 138.79 (2xs, Ar), 136.66 (s, 2C, Ar), 128.03, 128.01 (2xd, 2x2C, Ar), 127.42 (s, 2C, Ar), 126.96, 126.91 (2d, 2x2C, Ar), 126.51, 126.48 (2xd, Ar), 124.58, 124.55 (2xs, Ar), 121.97 (d, 2x2C, Ar), 119.02, 118.98 (2xd, Ar), 118.66 (d, 2C, Ar), 115.01, 114.94 (2xs, Ar), 110.79 (d, 2C, Ar), 53.66, 53.59 (2xd, 3-CH₂ CH), 42.13 (t, 2C, NHCH₂), 28.14, 28.07 (2xt, 3-CH₂), 22.52 (q, 2C, CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₄₀ H₄₀ N₆ O₄ S.0.5H₂ O requires: C, 67.7; H, 5.8; N, 11.9; S, 4.5%.

Found: C, 67.7; H, 5.8; N, 11.9; S, 5.1%.

Elution with CH₂ Cl_(2:) EtOAc (1: 2 ) gave 2,2'-dithiobis[α-acetylamino-N-benzyl-3-(3-indolyl)propanamide] (60) [VI: n=2; R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =CH₂ CH (NHAc) CONHCH₂ Ph] (0.84 g, 62%) as a yellow oil (a mixture of diastereoisomers). Crystallizations from CH₂ Cl₂ /light petroleum gave a single pair of diastereoisomers; mp 140°-144° C. (dec).

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ9.16 (1H, s, NH), 7.51 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz, ArH), 7.2-7.0 (6H, m, ArH), 6.89 (2H, m, ArH), 6.76 (1H, d, J=7.2 Hz, CHNH), 6.16 (1H, t, J=5.8 Hz, NHCH₂), 4.64 (1H, q, J=7.2 Hz, 3-CH₂ CH), 4.20, 4.12 (2x1H, 2xdd, J=14.8, 5.9 Hz, NHCH₂), 3.13 (1H, dd, J=14.0, 7.1 Hz, 3-CH), 2.96 (1H, dd, J=14.0, 7.3 Hz, 3-CH), 1.84 (3H, s, COCH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₄₀ H₄₀ N₆ O₄ S₂.0.5H₂ O requires: C, 64.8; H, 5.5; N, 11.3; S, 8.6%.

Found: C, 65.0; H, 5.4; N, 11.3; S, 8.8%.

Crystallizations from EtOAc/light petroleum gave the other pair of diastereoisomers of 60; mp 154.5°-157.5° C. (dec).

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ9.27 (1H, s, NH), 7.42 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, ArH), 7.28-7.12 (6H, m, ArH), 7.04 (1H, dd, J=7.8, 7.0 Hz, ArH), 6.75 (2H, m, ArH), 6.45 (1H, br d, J=7.1 Hz, CHNH), 5.90 (1H, br s, NHCH₂), 4.41 (1H, q, J=7.4 Hz, 3-CH₂ CH), 4.17 (1H, dd, J=14.8, 6.0 Hz, NHCH), 4.08 (1H, dd, J=14.8, 5.0 Hz, NHCH), 2.99 (1H, dd, J=14.0, 6.9 Hz, 3-CH), 2.93 (1H, dd, J=13.9, 7.6 Hz, 3-CH), 1.82 (3H, s, COCH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ170.74 (S, COCH₃), 169.92 (S, CONH), 137.42, 137.28 (2xs, Ar), 128.58 (d, 2C, Ar), 127.59 (s, Ar), 127.51 (d, 2C, Ar), 127.40 (d, Ar), 126.26 (s, Ar), 124.39, 120.37, 119.51 (3xd, Ar), 118.96 (s, Ar), 111.51 (d, Ar), 54.63 (d, 3-CH₂ CH), 43.70 (t, NHCH₂), 28.87 (t, 3-CH₂), 23.23 (q, CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₄₀ H₄₀ N₆ O₄ S₂ requires: C, 65.6; H, 5.5; N, 11.5; S, 8.7%.

Found: C, 65.4; H, 5.6; N, 11.5; S, 8.7%.

In DMSO solution, both pure diastereomers reverted to a 1:1 mixture of diastereoisomers by disulfide exchange within 3 minutes.

Compounds 61 and 62 of Table 1

Ethyl trifluoroacetate (1.7 mL) was added to a stirred solution of DL-tryptophan (2.3 g) and triethylamine (1.6 mL) in DMF (5 mL), then the flask was sealed and purged with nitrogen, and the mixture stirred at 20° C. for 1 day (method of Curphey T. J., J. Org. Chem. 1979;44:2805). Excess reagents were removed under vacuum, then triethylamine (1.9 mL) and DMF (10 mL) were added, and the mixture cooled to 0° C. DEPC (98%, 2.0 mL) was added, followed by benzylamine (1.72 mL), then the mixture was stirred under nitrogen at 20° C. for 1 day. The resulting solution was diluted with water (100 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (3×100 mL). Evaporation gave an oil which was purified by chromatography on silica gel, eluting with EtOAc:light petroleum (1:1), to give DL-N-benzyl-α-trifluoroacetylamino-3-(3-indolyl) propanamide [II: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =CH₂ CH(NHCOCF₃)CONHCH₂ Ph] (2.21 g, 50%); mp (EtOAc/light petroleum) 181°-183° C.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ10.84 (1H, s, NH), 9.65 (1H, br s, CHNH), 8.79 (1H, t, J=5.5 Hz, NHCH₂), 7.67 (1H, d, J=7.8 Hz, ArH), 7.34 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, ArH), 7.30 (2H, t, J=7.2 Hz, ArH), 7.23 (1H, t, J=7.3 Hz, ArH), 7.18 (2H, d, J=7.5 Hz, ArH), 7.15 (1H, d, J=2.2 Hz, H-2), 7.07 (1H, ddd, J=8.0, 7.1, 0.9 Hz, ArH), 6.98 (1H, dd, J=7.8, 7.0 Hz, ArH), 4.63 (1H, br m, 3-CH₂ CH), 4.32 (2H, d, J=5.8 Hz, NHCH₂), 3.25 (1H, dd, J=14.5, 5.0 Hz, 3-CH), 3.12 (1H, dd, J=14.5, 9.9 Hz, 3-CH).

¹³ C NMR: δ169.89 (s, CONH), 156.14, (q, J_(CF) =36.5 Hz, COCF₃), 138.92, 135.97 (2xs, Ar), 128.17, 126.95 (2xd, 2x2C, Ar), 126.95 (s, Ar) 126.68, 123.77, 120.86, 118.36, 118.17 (5xd, Ar), 115.69 (q, J_(CF) =288 Hz, CF3), 111.24 (d, Ar), 109.41 (s, Ar), 54.24 (d, 3-CH₂ CH), 42.11 (t, NHCH₂), 27.08 (t, 3-CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₂₀ H₁₈ F₃ N₃ O₂ requires: C, 61.7; H, 4.6; N, 10.8%.

Found: C, 61.9; H, 4.9; N, 10.9%.

Acidification of the aqueous portion with dilute HCl, then extraction with EtOAc (3×100 mL) and evaporation gave DL-α-trifluoroacetylamino-3-(3-indolyl)propanoic acid [II: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =CH₂ CH (NHCOCF₃)COOH] (0.72 g, 21%); mp (water) 155°-157° C. (Weygand F, Geiger R, Chem, Ber. 1956; 89:647 record mp 162°-163 ° C.).

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ10.86 (1H, br s, NH), 9o 75 (1H, br d, J=8.0 Hz, CHNH), 7.55 (1H, d, J=7.8 Hz, ArH), 7.34 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz, ArH), 7.14 (1H, d, J=2.3 Hz, H-2), 7.07 (1H, ddd, J=8.0, 7.1, 0.9 Hz, ArH), 6.99 (1H, ddd, J=7.9, 7.0, 0.9 Hz, ArH), 4.51 (1H, ddd, J=10.2, 8.0, 4.2 Hz, 3-CH₂ CH), 3.32 (1H, dd, J=14.8, 4.3 Hz, 3-CH), 3.17 (1H, dd, J=14.8, 10.3 Hz, 3-CH).

¹³ C NMR: δ171.64 (s, COOH), 156.23 (q, J_(CF) =36.5 Hz, COCF3), 136.01, 126.85 (2xs, Ar)., 123.45, 120.93, 118.35, 117.90 (4xd, Ar), 117.09, t15.66 (q, J_(CF) =288 Hz, CF₃), 111.36 (d, Ar), 109.56 (s, Ar), 53.58 (d, 3-CH₂ CH), 25.88 (t, 3-CH₂).

The above α-trifluoroacetamide (2.15 g) was treated with S₂ Cl₂ as above, then the product mixture obtained after workup was chromatographed directly on silica gel. Elution with CH₂ Cl₂ and CH₂ Cl₂ :EtOAc (19:1) gave foreruns, including mono-and trisulfides, then 2,2'-dithiobis[N-benzyl-α-trifluoroacetylamino-3-(3-indolyl)propanamide] (61) [VI: n=2; R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =CH₂ CH(NHCOCF₃)CONHCH₂ Ph] (1.01 g, 44%) as a yellow oil (a mixture of diastereoisomers). A subsample crystallized from EtOH was a single pair of diastereoisomers; mp 160°-164° C. (decomposed).

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ8.76 (1H, s, NH), 7.57 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, CHNH), 7.43 (1H, d, J=7.9 Hz, ArH), 7.3-7.0 (6H, m, ArH), 6.75 (2H, m, ArH), 5.49 (1H, t, J=5.2 Hz, NHCH₂), 4.26 (1H, td, J=7.9, 6.4 Hz, 3-CH₂ CH), 4.14 (1H, dd, J=14.8, 5.8 Hz, NHCH₂), 4.00 (1H, dd, J=14.5, 4.9 Hz, NHCH₂) 2.99 (1H, dd, J=14.0, 8.4 Hz, 3-CH), 2.77 (1H, dd, J=14.0, 5.9 Hz, 3-CH).

¹³ C NMR: δ168.87 (s, CONH), 156.81 (q, J_(CF) =36.5 Hz, COCF3), 137.25, 136.61 (2xs, Ar), 128.73 (d, 2C, Ar), 127.71 (d, 3C, Ar), 126.96, 126.11 (2xs, Ar), 124.97, 120.95, 119.25 (3xd, Ar), 118.14 (s, Ar), 115.62 (q, J_(CF) =288 Hz, CF₃), 111.49 (d, Ar), 54.67 (d, 3-CH₂ CH), 44.02 (t, NHCH₂), 28.22 (t, 3-CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₄₀ H₃₄ F₆ N₆ O₄ S₂.0.5H₂ O requires: C, 56.5; H, 4.1; N, 9.9; S, 7.5%.

Found: C, 56.6; H, 4.3; N, 9.8; S, 7.6%.

The trifluoroacetamide disulfide (61) (0.80 g) was treated with excess NaBH4 at 20° C. as above, then the resulting oil was chromatographed on alumina. Elution with CHCl₃ :EtOH (99:1) gave foreruns, then elution with CHCl₃ :EtOH (98: 2) gave 2,2'-dithiobis[α-amino-N-benzyl-3-(3-indolyl)propanamide] (62 ) [VI: n=2; R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =CH₂ CH(NH₂)CONHCH₂ Ph] (0.14 g, 22%); mp (CH₂ Cl₂ /light petroleum) 147°-150° C. (decomposed).

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ11.56 (1H, S, NH), 8.18 (1H, t, J=5.8 Hz, NHCH₂), 7.61 (1H, d, J=7.8 Hz, ArH), 7.36 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz, ArH), 7.33-6.95 (7H, m, ArH), 4.23, 4.13 (2x1H, 2xdd, J=15.2, 5.8 Hz, NHCH₂), 3.41 (1H, br m, 3-CH₂ CH), 2.93 (1H, dd, J=13.7, 4.9 Hz, 3-CH), 2.64 (1H, br m, 3-CH), 1.7 (2H, br s, NH₂).

¹³ C NMR: δ174.12 (s, CONH), 139.13, 137.38 (2xs, Ar), 128.06, 127.02 (2xd, 2x2C, Ar), 126.95, 126.71 (2xs, Ar), 126.51, 123.19,119.62 (3xd, Ar), 119.18 (s, Ar), 118.87, 111.39 (2xd, Ar), 55.57 (d, 3-CH₂ CH), 41.90 (t, NHCH₂), 30.58 (t, 3-CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₃₆ H₃₆ N₆ O₂ S₂.0.5H₂ O requires: C, 65.8; H, 5.6; N, 12.8%.

Found: C, 65.8; H, 5.8; N, 12.6%.

Compound 63 of Table 1

Acetyl chloride (0.50 mL, 7.0 mmol) was added to a stirred solution of DL-3-(3-indolyl)lactic acid (1.00 g, 14.3 mmol) and Et₃ N (2 mL, 14.3 mmol) in THF (5 mL) at 0° C. The mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 7 hours, then at 20° C. for 15 hours, quenched with water (100 mL), acidified with dilute HCl (to pH 2), then extracted with EtOAc (3×100 mL). Evaporation gave crude (ca. 90% pure) DL-α-acetoxy-3-(3-indolyl)propanoic acid [II: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =CH₂ CH (OAc) COOH] (1.30 g) as an oil which was used directly.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ10.88 (1H, s, NH), 7.54 (1H, d, J=7.8 Hz, ArH), 7.33 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, ArH), 7.17 (1H, br s, H-2), 7.06 (1H, dd, J=8.0, 7.1 Hz, ArH), 6.99 (1H, t, J=7.4 Hz, ArH), 5.06 (1H, dd, J=7.3, 4.9 Hz, 3-CH₂ CH), 3.22 (1H, dd, J=15.1, 4.5 Hz, 3-CH), 3.16 (1H, dd, J=15.0, 7.7 Hz, 3-CH), 2.00 (3H, s, COCH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ170.87, 169.96 (2xs, COOH, OCOCH₃), 136.04, 127.28 (2xs, Ar), 123.84, 120.94, 118.43, 118.33, 111.39 (Sxd, Ar), 108.90 (s, Ar), 72.70 (d, 3-CH₂ CH), 26.75 (t, 3-CH₂), 20.54 (q, CH₃).

HREIMS m/z calculated for C₁₃ H₁₃ NO₄ : 247.0845 (M⁺).

Found: 247.0848.

The above α-0-acetate (1.30 g of 90%, 4.4 mmol) and Et₃ N (0.88 mL, 6.3 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) at 0° C. was treated sequentially with DEPC (0.91 mL of 98%, 5.9 mmol) and benzylamine (0.69 mL, 6.3 mmol), and the mixture was stirred under nitrogen at 20° C. for 18 hours. Workup and chromatography on silica gel, eluting with EtOAc/light petroleum (1:2 then 1:1) gave DL-α-acetoxy-N-benzyl-3-(3-indolyl)propanamide [II: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =CH₂ CH(OAc)CONHCH₂ Ph] (0.29 g, 18%) as an oil.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ8.05 (1H, s, NH), 7.60 (1H, d, J=7.9 Hz, ArH), 7.37 (1H, dr, J=8.1, 0.9 Hz, ArH), 7.26-7.21 (3H, m, ArH), 7.20 (1H, ddd, J=8.1, 7.0, 1.1 Hz, ArH), 7.12 (1H, ddd, J=8.0, 7.0, 1.0 Hz, ArH), 6.97 (1H, d, J=2.4 Hz, H-2), 6.94 (2H, m, ArH), 6.07 (1H, t, J=5.8 Hz, NHCH₂), 5.47 (1H, t, J=5.4 Hz, 3-CH₂ CH), 4.38 (1H, dd, J=14.9, 6.1 Hz, NHCH), 4.29 (1H, dd, J=14.9, 5.5 Hz, NHCH), 3.41 (2H, d, J=5.5 Hz, 3-CH₂), 2.06 (3H, s, COCH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ169.63, 169.33 (2xs, CONH, OCOCH₃), 137.56, 136.05 (2xs, Ar), 128.55 (d, 2C, Ar), 127.75 (s, Ar), 127.60 (d, 2C, Ar), 127.40, 123.43,122.08, 119.61, 118.92, 111.13 (6xd, Ar), 109.83 (s, Ar), 74.56 (d, 3-CH₂ CH), 43.12 (t, NHCH₂), 27.42 (t, 3-CH₂), 21.09 (q, CH₃).

HREIMS m/z calculated for C₂₀ H₂₀ N₂ O₃ : 336.1474 (M⁺).

Found: 336.1471.

Unreacted α-acetoxy-3-(3-indolyl)propanoic acid (0.68 g, 52%) was also recovered.

Alternative Preparation of Above Acetoxypropanamide

A solution of SnCl₄ (5.4 mL, 46 mmol) in CCl₄ (50 mL) was added dropwise to a stirred solution of indole (5.4 g, 46 mmol) and N-benzyl-2,3-epoxypropanamide (Dolzani L, Tamaro M, Monti-Bmgadin C, Cavicchionz G, Vecchiati G, D'Angeli F, Mutation Res. 1986;172:37) (14 g of 85%, 67 mmol) in CCl₄ (100 mL) at -5° C. (method of Entzeroth M, Kunczik T, Jaenicke L, Liebig's Ann. Chim. 1983:226). The mixture was stirred at 20° C. for 16 hours, then diluted with CHC13 (100 mL) and 10% NaHCO₃ (250 mL) and stirred vigorously for 4 hours. The aqueous portion was separated and extracted with CH₂ Cl₂ (2×100 mL), and the combined organic extracts were washed with water, dried, and the solvents removed. The resulting oil was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with CH₂ Cl₂ /light petroleum (1:1) to yield unreacted indole (1.27 g, 24%). Elution with CH₂ Cl₂ gave mixtures, then CH₂ Cl₂ /EtOAc (4:1) gave a crude product. This was crystallized successively from CH₂ Cl₂ /light petroleum, then CH₂ Cl₂ /benzene/light petroleum to give DL-N-benzyl-α-hydroxy-3-(3-indolyl)propanamide [II: R₁ -R₃ =H, R₂ =CH₂ CH (OH) CONHCH₂ Ph] (0.70 g, 5% ); mp 127°-128.5 ° C.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ10.79 (1H, s, NH), 8.20 (1H, t, J=6.2 Hz, NHCH₂), 7.56 (1H, d, J=7.8 Hz, ArH), 7.34 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz, ArH), 7.24 (2H, m, ArH), 7.19 (1H, m, ArH), 7.12 (1H, d, J=2.3 Hz, H-2), 7.10 (1H, m, ArH), 7.05 (1H, ddd, J=8.0, 7.0, 1.0 Hz, ArH), 6.96 (1H, ddd, J=7.9, 7.0, 0.9 Hz, ArH), 5.54 (1H, d, J=5.7 Hz, OH), 4.26 (2H, d, J=6.2 Hz, NHCH₂), 4.19 (1H, ddd, J=7.5, 5.7, 4.3 Hz, 3-CH₂ CH), 3.14 (1H, dd, J=14.5, 4.1 Hz, 3-CH), 2.91 (1 H, dd, J=14.5, 7.6 Hz, 3-CH).

¹³ C NMR: δ173.59 (s, CONH), 139.40, 135.93 (2xs, Ar), 128.00 (d, 2C, Ar), 127.60 (s, Ar), 126.95 (d, 2C, Ar), 126.42, 123.58, 120.56, 118.60, 117.97, 111.05 (6xd, Ar), 110.53 (s, Ar), 71.86 (d, 3-CH₂ CH), 41.60 (t, NHCH₂), 30.33 (t, 3-CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₁₈ H₁₈ N₂ O₂.0.25H₂ O requires: C, 72.4; H, 6.2; N, 9.4%.

Found: C, 72.4; H, 6.0; N, 9.3%.

This α-hydroxypropanamide (0.62 g, 2.1 mmol) was stirred with pyridine (1.5 mL, 18.5 mmol) and Ac₂ O (1.7 mL, 18.0 mmol) at 20° C. for 17 hours. The mixture was partitioned between water and CH₂ Cl₂, and worked up to give a quantitative yield of DL-α-acetoxy-N-benzyl-3-(3-indolyl)propanamide [II: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =CH₂ CH(OAc)CONHCH₂ Ph].

This compound (1.07 g) was treated with S₂ Cl₂ as above, and the resulting product mixture chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with CH₂ Cl₂ /EtOAc (19:1), to give firstly 2,2'-thiobis-[α-acetoxy-N-benzyl-3-(3-indolyl) propanamide] [VI: n=1, R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =CH₂ CH(OAc)CONHCH₂ Ph] (0.19 g, 17%) as a mixture of diastereoisomers; mp (MeOH/dilute HCl ) 105°-109 ° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ10.09, 10.06 (2x1H, 2xs, NH), 7.61, 7.60 (2x1H, 2xd, J=7.9 Hz, ArH), 7.24 (2x1H, d, J=8.2 Hz, ArH), 7.14-7.00 (2x5H, m, ArH), 6.78, 6.70 (2x2H, 2xm, ArH), 6.27, 6.26 (2x1H, 2xt, J=5.8 Hz, NHCH₂), 5.72 (1H, dd, J=7.0, 6.0 Hz, 3-CH₂ CH), 5.69 (1H, t, J=6.1 Hz, 3-CH₂ CH), 4.30, 4.27 (2x1H, 2xdd, J=15.0, 5.8 Hz, NHCH), 4.23, 4.21 (2x1H, 2xdd, J=15.0, 5.4 Hz, NHCH), 3.67 (1H, dd, J=14.5, 7.0 Hz, 3-CH), 3.65 (1H, dd, J=14.7, 5.8 Hz, 3-CH), 3.60 (1H, dd, J=14.7, 6.3 Hz, 3-CH), 3.53 (1H, dd, J=14.5, 6.0 Hz, 3-CH) 2.12, 2.11 (2x3H, 2xs, COCH₃).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ169.87, 169.73 (2xs, 2x2C, COCH₃, CONH), 137.09, 137.03, 136.70, 136.65 (4xs, Ar), 128.60, 128.56 (2xd, 2x2C, Ar), 127.48, 127.44 (2xd, Ar), 127.43, 127.39 (2xs, Ar), 127.31, 127.28 (2xd, 2x2C, Ar), 125.47, 125.40 (2xs, Ar), 122.95, 122.93 (2xd, Ar), 119.64 (d, 2C, Ar), 119.07, 118.88 (2xd, Ar), 113.92, 113.70 (2xs, Ar), 111.32 (d, 2C, Ar), 73.99, 73.77 (2xd, 3-CH₂ CH), 43.31 (t, 2C, NHCH₂), 28.00 (t, 2C, 3-CH₂), 21.19, 21.13 (2xq, CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₄₀ H₃₈ N₄ O₂ S) requires: C, 68.4; H, 5.4; N, 8.0; S, 4.6%.

Found: C, 68.2; H, 5.6; N, 8.0; S, 4.8%.

Elution with CH₂ Cl₂ /EtOAc (9:1) gave 2,2'-dithiobis[α-acetoxy-N-benzyl-3-(3-indolyl)propanamide] (63) [VI: n=2, R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =CH₂ CH(OAc)CONHCH₂ Ph] (0.76 g, 65%) as a yellow oil (mixture of diastereoisomers). A subsample crystallized from CH₂ Cl₂ /dilute HCl as a single pair of diastereoisomers; mp 120°-124° C. (dec).

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ8.64 (1H, s, NH), 7.60 (1H, d, J=7.9 Hz, ArH), 7.27-7.15 (4H, m, ArH), 7.12, 7.11 (2x1H, 2xt, J=8.1 Hz, ArH), 6.91 (2H, m, ArH), 6.12 (1H, t, J=5.6 Hz, NHCH₂), 5.41 (1H, t, J=6.2 Hz, 3-CH₂ CH), 4.30, 4.24 (2x1H, 2xdd, J=14.8, 5.71 Hz, NHCH₂), 3.31 (1H, dd, J=14.5, 5.8 Hz, 3-CH), 3.17 (1H, dd, J=14.5, 6.6 Hz, 3-CH), 1.99 (3H, s, COCH₃).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ169.65, 168.96 (2xs, CONH, COCH₃), 137.50, 137.05 (2xs, Ar), 128.63 (d, 2C, Ar), 127.81 (s, Ar), 127.68 (d, 2C, Ar), 127.49 (d, Ar), 126.85 (s, Ar), 124.30, 120.30, 120.03 (3xd, Ar), 117.87 (s, Ar), 111.33 (d, Ar), 74.06 (d, 3-CH₂ CH), 43.30 (t, NHCH₂), 27.45 (t, 3-CH₂), 21.18 (q, CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₄₀ H₃₈ N₄ O₂ S₂ requires: C, 65.4; H, 5.2; N, 7.6; S, 8.7%.

Found: C, 65.2; H, 5.2, N, 7.8; S, 8.8%.

Compound 64 of Table 1

Hydrolysis of 63 with excess KHCO₃ in aqueous MeOH at 20° C. for 2 hours gave 2,2'-dithiobis[α-hydroxy-N -(phenylmethyl)-1H-indole-3-propanamide] (64) [II: R1 =R₃ =H, R₂ =Ch₂ CH(OH)COOH] as an oil (mixture of diastereomers) in essentially quantitative yield. Crystallization from CH₂ Cl₂ /light petroleum gave a single pair of diastereomers (66% yield); mp 120°-125° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ7.61 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, ArH), 7.33-7.17 (5H, m, ArH), 7.12 (2H, dd, J=7.8, 1.5 Hz, ArH), 7.09 (1H, ddd, J=8.1, 5.4, 2.7 Hz, ArH), 6.80 (1H, t, J=5.8 Hz, NHCH₂), 4.33, 4.27 (2x1H, 2xdd, J=14.8, 5.9 Hz, NHCH₂), 3.78 (1H, ddd, J=9.5, 5.4, 3.4 Hz, 3-CH₂ CH), 3.30 (1H, d, J=5.4 Hz, OH), 3.24 (1H, dd, J=14.4, 3.4 Hz, 3-CH), 2.88 (1H, dd, J=14.3, 9.5 Hz, 3-CH).

Analysis calculated for C₃₆ H₃₄ N₄ O₄ S₂ requires: C, 66.1; H, 5.3; N, 8.6; S, 9.6%.

Found: C, 66.5; H, 5.2; N, 8.6; S, 9.8%

EXAMPLE C Preparation of Compounds 5 and 33 of Table 1 by the Method Outlined in Scheme 3

1-Methyl-2-indolinone [VII: R₁ =H, R₃ =Me] was condensed with diethyl oxalate in NaOEt/EtOH, to give ethyl 1-methyl isatylidenehydroxyacetate [VIII: R₁ =H, R₃ =Me, R=COOEr] (82% yield); mp 62°-64° C. (according to the method of Porter J. C., Robinson R, Wyler M, J. Chem. Soc. 1941:620, who report mp 81° C.). The above acetate [VIII: R₁ =H, R₃ =Me, R=COOEr] (2.30 g) was hydrogenated in glacial AcOH (150 mL) containing concentrated H₂ SO₄ (1 mL) and 5% Pd/C catalyst (5 g) for 1 day. The reaction mixture was filtered onto NaOAc (4 g) and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. The residue was partitioned between CH₂ Cl₂ and water, then the aqueous phase re-extracted with CH₂ Cl₂. The CH₂ Cl₂ extracts were combined, washed with water, the solvent removed, and the residue was chromatographed on silica gel. Elution with CH₂ Cl₂ gave ethyl 2-(1-methyl-2-oxo-3-indolinyl)acetate [III: R₁ =H, R₂ =CH₂ COOEt, R₃ =Me] as an oil (1.23 g, 57% ).

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ7.29 (1H, t, J=7.7 Hz, ArH), 7.26 (1H, d, J=7.5 Hz, ArH), 7.03 (1H, t, J=7.5 Hz, ArH), 6.84 (1H, d, J=7.7 Hz, ArH), 4.15, 4.11 (2x1H, 2xdq, J=10.8, 7.1 Hz, COOCH₂), 3.79 (1H, dd, J=8.0, 4.4 Hz, H-3), 3.23 (3H, s, NCH₃), 3.07 (1H, dd, J=16.8, 4.4 Hz, CH₂ CO), 2.78 (1H, dd, J=16.8, 8.1 Hz, CH₂ CO), 1.20 (3H, t, J=7.1 Hz, OCH₂ CH₃).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ176.72 (s, CONCH₃), 171.02 (COOCH₂) 144.35 (s, ArH), 128.27 (d, ArH), 128.18 (s, ArH), 123.80, 122.45, 108.01 (3xd, ArH), 60.85 (t, OCH₂), 41.83 (d, C-3), 34.94 (t, CH₂ CO), 26.28 (q, NCH₃), 14.05 (q, OCH₂ CH₃).

The above oxoacetate [III: R₁ =H, R₂ =CH₂ COOEt, R₃ -Me] was treated with P₂ S₅ as described in Example A, then chromatographed on silica gel, with CH₂ Cl₂ /light petroleum (3:2) eluting ethyl 2-(1-methyl-2-thioxo-3-indolinyl)acetate [IV: R₁ =H, R₂ =CH₂ COOEt, R₃ =Me] (5) (90% yield); mp (benzene/light petroleum) 47°-48° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ7.35 (2H, m, ArH), 7.16 (1H, td, J=7.5, 0.8 Hz, ArH), 7.01 (1H, dd, J=7.7, 1.0 Hz, ArH), 4.15 (2H, q, J=7.1 Hz, COOCH₂), 4.14 (1H, m, H-3), 3.65 (3H, s, NCH₃), 3.39 (1H, dd, J=17.0, 4.1 Hz, CH₂ CO), 2.83 (1H, dd, J=17.0, 8.6 Hz, CH₂ CO), 1.22 (3H, t, J=7.1 Hz, OCH₂ CH₃).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ204.35 (s, CSNCH₃), 171.11 (s, COOCH₂), 145.73, 133.01 (2xs, ArH), 128.39, 124.34, 123.94, 109.46 (4xd, ArH), 60.85 (t, OCH₂), 53.44 (d, C-3), 38.66 (t, CH₂ CO), 31.52 (q, NCH₃), 14.13 (q, OCH₂ CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₁₃ H₁₅ NO₂ S requires: C, 62.7; H, 6.0; N, 5.6; S, 12.9%.

Found: C, 62.5; H, 6.2; N, 5.6; S, 12.8%.

A solution of crude 5 in EtOH was exposed to air for 2 weeks, during which time bis[ethyl 1-methylindolyl-3-acetate-(2)]disulfide [V: R₁ =H, R₂ =CH₂ COOEt, R₃ =Me] (33) slowly separated as yellow needles (0.18 g, 26%); mp 117°-119° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ7.53 (1H, dr, J=8.0, 0.8 Hz, ArH), 7.30 (1H, ddd, J=8.3, 6.3, 1.1 Hz, ArH), 7.27 (1H, ddd, J=8.1, 1.6, 0.7 Hz, ArH), 7.12 (1H, ddd, J=8.0, 6.2, 1.8 Hz, ArH), 3.96 (2H, q, J=7.1 Hz, COOCH₂), 3.54 (3H, s, NCH₃), 3.38 (2H, s, CH₂ CO), 1.14 (3H, t, J=7.1 Hz, OCH₂ CH₃).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ171.06 (s, COOCH₂), 138.45, 128.42, 126.47 (3xs, ArH), 124.33, 120.20, 120.07 (3xd, ArH), 117.59 (s, ArH), 109.93 (d, ArH), 60.70 (t, OCH₂), 30.99 (t, CH₂ CO), 29.97 (q, NCH₃), 14.13 (q, OCH₂ CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₂₆ H₂₈ N₂ O₄ S₂ requires: C, 62.9; H, 5.7; N, 5.7; S, 12.9%.

Found: C, 62.7; H, 5.6; N, 5.6; S, 13.0%.

Compounds 10 and 38 of Table 1

Similar reactions on 2-indolinone [VII: R₁ =R₃ =H], using diethyl malonate, gave ethyl 3-(2-oxo-3-indolinyl)propanoate [III: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ COOE] (Julian P. L., Printy H. C., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1953;75:5301). Reaction of this with P₂ S₅ as described in Example A, followed by chromatography on silica gel, elution with CH₂ Cl₂, and crystallization from benzene/light petroleum over 2 days, gave bis[ethyl indolyl-3-propanoate-(2)] disulfide [V: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ COOEt] (38) (18% yield); mp 137°-139° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ8.25 (1H, s, NH), 7.55 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, ArH), 7.22 (2H, m, ArH), 7.11 (1H, ddd, J=8.0, 5.0, 3.0 Hz, ArH), 4.02 (2H, q, J=7.1 Hz, COOCH₂), 2.98, 2.46 (2x2H, 2xt, J=7.9 Hz, CH₂ CH₂ CO), 1.16 (3H, t, J=7.1 Hz, OCH₂ CH₃).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ173.03 (s, COOCH₂), 137.26, 127.22, 125.83 (3xs, ArH), 124.26 (d, ArH), 122.81 (s, ArH), 120.03, 119.63, 111.19 (3xd, ArH), 60.41 (t, COOCH₂), 35.20 (t, CH₂ CO), 20.26 (t, 3-CH₂), 14.14 (q, OCH₂ CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₂₆ H₂₈ N₂ O₄ S₂ requires: C, 62.9; H, 5.7; N, 5.6; S, 12.9%.

Found: C, 63.3; H, 5.9; N, 5.7; S, 13.0%.

Treatment of the mother liquors with NaBH₄ gave ethyl 3-(2-thioxo-3-indolinyl) propanoate [IV: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ COOEt] (10) (56% yield) as an oil.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ10.40 (1H, s, NH), 7.31 (1H, d, J=7.4 Hz, ArH), 7.27 (1H, td, J=7.8, 0.7 Hz, ArH), 7.14 (1H, td, J=7.5, 0.7 Hz, ArH), 7.01 (1H, d, J=7.8 Hz, ArH), 4.07, 4.03 (2x1H, 2xdq, J=10.8, 7.1 Hz, COOCH₂), 3.91 (1H, t, J=5.4 Hz, H-3), 2.52 (2H, m, CH₂ CH₂ CO), 2.41 (1H, ddd, J=15.8, 9.9, 5.9 Hz, CH₂ CO), 2.10 (1H, ddd, J=15.8, 9.1, 6.7 Hz, CH₂ CO), 1.20 (3H, t, J=7.1 Hz, OCH₂ CH₃).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ207.31 (s, CSNH), 172.96 (s, COOCH₂), 143.31, 133.15 (2xs, ArH), 128.40, 124.34, 124.07, 110.04 (4xd, ArH), 60.55 (t, 0CH₂), 56.44 (d, C-3), 29.56, 28.16 (2xt, (CH₂)₂ C0), 14.15 (q, OCH₂ CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₁₃ H₁₅ NO₂ S requires: C, 62.6; H, 6.1; N, 5.6; S, 12.9%.

Found: C, 62.3; H, 5.9; N, 5.6; S, 12.6%.

Compounds 12 of Table 1

Similar treatment of 1-methyl-2-indolinone, using diethyl malonate, and subsequent thiation, gave ethyl 3-(1-methyl-2-thioxo-3-indolinyl)propanoate [IV: R₁ =H, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ COOEt, R₃ =Me] (12); mp (benzene/light petroleum) 61°-63° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ7.35 (2H, m, ArH), 7.20 (1H, t, J=7.5 Hz, ArH), 7.00 (1H, d, J=7.8 Hz, ArH), 4.05, 4.02 (2x1H, 2xdq, J=10.8, 7.1 Hz, COOCH₂), 3.92 (1H, t, J=5.4 Hz, H-3), 3.63 (3H, s, NCH₃), 2.53 (2H, td, J=8.0, 5.4 Hz, CH₂ CH₂ CO), 2.32, 2.01 (2x1H, 2xtd, J=16.0, 8.0 Hz, CH₂ CH₂ CO), 1.19 (3H, t, J=7.1 Hz, CH₂ CH₃).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ204.85 (s, CSNCH₃), 172.87 (s, COOCH₂), 145.89, 132.44 (2xs, ArH), 128.37, 124.30, 124.00, 109.49 (4xd, ArH), 60.43 (t, OCH₂), 56.29 (d, C3), 31.35 (q, NCH₃), 29.53, 28.46 (2xt, CHsCH₂ CO), 14.15 (q, OCH₂ CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₁₄ H₁₇ NO₂ S requires: C, 63.9; H, 6.5; N, 5.3; S, 12.2%.

Found: C, 64.1; H, 6.7; N, 5.4; S, 12.0%.

Compounds 41 and 42 of Table 1

Similar treatment of 5-methyl-2-indolinone [VII: R₁ =5-Me, R₃ =H] gave bis[ethyl 5-methylindolyl-3-propanoate-(2)]disulfide [V: R₁ =5-Me, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ COOEt, R₃ =H] (42) as a yellow solid; mp (benzene/petroleum ether) 138.5°-139° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): 8.10 (1H, s, NH), 7.32 (1H, d, J=0.6 Hz, H-4), 7.15 (1H, d, J=8.3 Hz, H-7), 7.06 (1H, dd, J=8.3, 1.4 Hz, H-6), 4.03 (2H, q, J=7.2 Hz, CH₂ CH₃), 3.02-2.85 (2H, m, CH₂ CH₂ C02), 2.51-2.36 (2H, m, CH₂ CH₂ C02), 2.43 (3H, s, ArCHs), 1.18 (3H, t, J=7.2 Hz, CH₂ CH₃).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ173.1 (CO₂ Et), 135.6, 129.3, 127.4, 125.9, 122.3 (C-2,3,5,8,9), 126.0, 119.1, 110.9 (C-4,6,7), 60.4 (OCH₂ CH₃), 35.2 (CH₂ CH₂ CO₂), 21.5 (ARCH₃), 20.3 (CH₂ CH₂ CO₂), 14.1 (OCH₂ CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₂₈ H₃₂ N₂ O₄ S₂.0.5C₆ H₆ requires: C, 66.1; H, 6.3; N, 5.0; S, 11.4%.

Found: C, 66.2; H, 6.4; N, 5.0; S, 11.7%.

Ester hydrolysis of 42 as above gave bis[5-methylindolyl-3-propanoic acid-(2)]disulfide [V: R₁ =5-Me, R₂ =(CH)₂ CO₂ H, R₃ =H] (41) as orange-brown prisms; mp (CH₂ Cl₂ /petroleum ether) 91.5°-95° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ7.98 (1H, s, NH), 7.33 (1H, s, H-4), 7.14 (1H, d, J=8.4 Hz, H-7), 7.07 (1H, dd, J=8.4, 1.3 Hz, H-6), 2.98 (2H, t, J=7.5 Hz, CH₂ CH₂ CO₂), 2.56 (2H, t, J=7.5 Hz, CH₂ CH₂ CO₂), 2.43 (3H, s, ARCH₃).

HREIMS m/z calculated for C₂₄ H₂₄ N₂ O₄ S₂ requires: 235.06670.

Found: m/z 235.06639.

Compounds 43 and 44 of Table 1

Similar treatment of 6-methyl-2-indolinone [VII: R₁ =6-Me, R₃ =H] gave bis[ethyl 6-methylindolyl-3-propanoate-(2)] disulfide [V: R₁ =6-Me, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ COOEt, R₃ =H] (44) as a yellow solid; mp 122°-123.5° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ8.06 (1H, s, NH), 7.43 (1H, d, J=8.2 Hz, H-4), 7.03-7.00 (1H, m, H-7), 6.97-6.92 (1H, m, H-5), 4.02 (2H, q, J=7.2 Hz, CH₂ CH₃), 2.98-2.91 (2H, m, CH₂ CH₂ CO), 2.48-2.42 (2H, m, CH₂ CH₂ CO), 2.44 (3H, s, ArHMe), 1.17 (3H, t, J=7.2 Hz, CH₂ CH₃).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ173.0 (CO₂ Et), 137.7, 134.3, 125.2, 125.0, 122.9 (C-2,3,6,8,9), 121.9, 119.3 (C-4,5,7), 60.3 (OCH₂ CH₃), 35.2 (CH₂ CH₂ CO₂), 21.8 (ARCH₃), 20.3 (CH₂ CH₂ CO₂), 14.1 (OCH₂ CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₂₈ H₃₂ N₂ O₄ S₂ requires: C, 64.1; H, 6.2; N, 5.3; S, 12.2%.

Found: C, 64.1; H, 6.2; N, 5.4; S, 12.0%.

Ester hydrolysis of the above as above gave bis[methylindolyl-3-propanoate-(2)]disulfide [V : R₁ =6-Me, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ COOEt, R₃ =H] (43) as yellow microcrystals; mp (CH₂ Cl₂ /petroleum ether) 126°-128° C.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ CO): δ10.34 (1H, br s, NH), 7.49 (1H, d, J=8.2 Hz, H-4), 7.19 (H, s, H-7), 6.19 (1H, dd, J=8.2, 1.2 Hz, H-5), 2.97-2.90 (2H, m, CHCH₂ CO₂), 2.49-2.43 (2H, m, CH₂ CH₂ CO₂), 2.42 (3H, s, ARCH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₂₄ H₂₄ N₂ O₄ S₂.H₂ O requires: C, 60.4; H, 5.9; N, 5.9%.

Found: C, 60.2; H, 5.3; N, 5.9%.

Compounds 45 and 46 of Table 1

Similar treatment of 7-methyl-2-indolinone [VII: R₁ =7-Me, R₃ =H] gave bis[ethyl 7-methylindolyl-3-propanoate-(2)] disulfide [V: R₁ =7-Me, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ COOEt, R₃ =H] (46) as a yellow solid; mp (benzene/petroleum ether) 120°-122.5° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ8.23 (1H, s, NH), 7.38 (1H, d, J=7.4 Hz, ArH), 7.00 (1H, t, J=7.3 Hz, H-5), 6.94 (1H, d, J=6.3 Hz, ArH), 4.02 (2H, q, J=7.2 Hz, CH₂ CH₃), 3.16 (2H, t, J=7.5 Hz, CH₂ CH₂ CO₂), 2.71 (2H, t, J=7.5 Hz, CH₂ CH₂ CO₂), 1.96 (3H, s, ARCH₃), 1.23 (3H, t, J-7.2 Hz, CH₂ CH₃).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ173.6 (CO₂ Et), 136.9, 127.0, 124.8, 122.9, 121.0 (C-2,3,7,8,9), 124.3, 120.0, 117.0 (C-4,5,6), 60.6 (OCH₂ CH₃), 35.3 (CH₂ CH₂ CO₂), 20.9 (CH₂ CH₂ CO₂), 16.0 (ARCH₃), 14.1 (OCH₂ CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₂₈ H₃₂ N₂ O₄ S₂ requires: C, 64.1; H, 6.2; N, 5.3; S, 12.2%.

Found: C, 64.2; H, 6.4; N, 5.4; S, 12.0%.

Ester hydrolysis of 46 as above gave bis[7-methylindolyl-3-propanoic acid-(2)] disulfide [V: R₁ =7-Me, R₂ =(CH₂)₂ CO₂ H, R₃ =H] (45) as green needles; mp (AcOH/petroleum ether) 172.5°-175° C.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ CO): δ10.37(1H, br s, NH), 7.45(1H, d, J=7.0 Hz, ArH), 7.03-6.95 (2H, m, ArH), 3.01-2.94 (2H, m, CH₂ CH₂ CO₂), 2.50-2.42 (2H, m, CH₂ CH₂ CO₂), 2.49 (3H, s, ARCH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₂₄ H₂₄ N₂ O₄ S₂ requires: C, 61.5; H, 5.2; N, 6.0%.

Found: C, 61.3; H, 5.1; N, 6.0%.

EXAMPLE D Preparation of Compounds 21-23 and 7.0 of Table 1 by the Method Outlined in Scheme 4

Powdered Na₂ CO₃ (0.70 g, 6.61 mmol) was added to a suspension of P₂ S₅ (2.93 g, 6.61 mmol) in THF (40 mL) and the mixture was stirred vigorously at 20° C. until homogeneous, and gas evolution had ceased (15 minutes). A solution of 1-methyl-2-indolinone [VII: R₁ =R₃ =Me] (0.80 g, 5.50 mmol) in THF (10 mL) was added and stirring was continued for 18 hours. After pouring into brine, the mixture was extracted into EtOAc, worked up, and chromatographed on silica. Elution with EtOAc/petroleum ether (1:4) gave 1-methyl-2-indolinethione [IX: R₁ =R₃ =Me] (0.71 g, 87%); mp 108°-109° C. (Hino T, Tsuneoka K, Nakagawa M, Akaboshi S, Chem. Pharm. Bull. 1969;17:550 record 109°-111° C.).

A solution of the above 1-methyl-2-indolinethione (4.1 g) in THF (150 mL) was treated dropwise over 15 minutes with an ice-cooled suspension of NaH (57%, 1.4 g) in THF (100 mL). The mixture was stirred for 30 minutes, then a solution of phenyl isocyanate (3.5 g) in THF (50 mL) was added, and stirring continued for 3 hours at 20° C. The solvent was removed under vacuum, then the residue decomposed with ice-HCl, and extracted in CH₂ Cl₂. Removal of the solvent gave an oil (6.0 g), which crystallized from ether. Two recrystallizations from THF-ether gave N-phenyl (1-methyl-2-thioxo-3-indolinyl)carboxamide [IV: R₁ =H, R₂ =CONHPh, R₃ =Me] (21) (2.8 g, 39%) as a pale yellow solid; mp 149°-151° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ10.36 (1H, s, NH), 7.87 (1H, d, J=7.4 Hz, ArH), 7.60 (2H, d, J=7.9 Hz, ArH), 7.41 (2H, t, J=7.5 Hz, ArH), 7.31 (2H, m, ArH), 7.11 (1H, t, J=7.3 Hz, ArH), 7.03 (1H, d, J=7.8 Hz, ArH), 3.73 (3H, s, NCH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₁₆ H₁₄ N₂ OS requires: C, 68.1; H, 5.1; N, 9.9; S, 11.4%.

Found: C, 67.8; H, 5.1; N, 9.8; S, 11.4%.

A solution of 21 (200 mg) in CH₂ Cl₂ /MeOH (2:1) (30 mL) was stirred at 20° C. for 5 days, then the solvents were removed under reduced pressure. Chromatography on silica gel, eluting with CH₂ Cl₂ then CHCl₃ /EtOH (99:1), gave bis [N-phenyl 1-methylindolyl-3-carboxamide-(2)] disulfide [V: R₁ =H, R₂ =CONHPh, R₃ =Me] (70) (0.19 g, 95%); mp (benzene) 187°-188° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ8.21 (1H, s, NH), 8.01 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz, ArH), 7.19 (1H, ddd, J=8.1, 7.1, 0.9 Hz, ArH), 7.13 (4H, d, J=4.3 Hz, Ph), 7.09 (1H, ddd, J=8.1, 7.1, 0.9 Hz, ArH), 7.05 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz, ArH), 6.98 (1H, quin, J=4.3 Hz, Ph), 3.77 (3H, s, NCH₃).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ161.57 (CO), 138.55, 137.95 (2xs), 128.64 (d), 127.41, 126.07 (2xs), 125.55, 122.28, 122.00 (4xd), 119.76 (s), 119.27, 110.14 (2xd), 30.33 (NCH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₃₂ H₂₆ N₄ O₂ S₂ requires: C, 68.3; H, 4.6; N, 10.0; S, 11.4%.

Found: C, 68.9; H, 4.9; N, 9.6; S, 11.1%.

A solution of 21 (200 mg) in Me₂ CO (20 mL) was treated with K₂ CO₃ (0.12 g) and methyl iodide (0.14 g) and the mixture stirred at 20° C. for 1 hour. CH₂ Cl₂ (100 mL) was added, then the solution filtered and the solvents removed, to yield a brown oil (0.26 g). Chromatography on silica gel, eluting with CH₂ Cl₂, gave N-phenyl (1-methyl-2-methylthio-3-indolyl)carboxamide as an oil [X: R₁ =H, R₂ =CONHPh, R₃ =Me, R₄ =SMe] (22) (200 mg, 95%), which crystallized from MeOH/CH₂ Cl₂ as a white solid; mp 116°-118° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ9.99 (1H, s, NH), 8.58 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, ArH), 7.75 (2H, d, J=7.6 Hz, ArH), 7.38 (4H, m, ArH), 7.29 (1H, quin, J=4.3 Hz, ArH), 7.12 (1H, t, J=7.4 Hz, ArH), 3.95 (3H, s, NCH₃), 2.47 (3H, s, SCH₃).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ162.59 (s, CON}t), 138.80, 137.46, 131.43 (3xs, ArH), 129.03 (2xd, ArH), 127.35 (s, ArH), 124.14, 123.67, 123.02, 122.24 (4xd, ArH), 119.86 (2xd, ArH), 114.04 (s, ArH), 109.69 (d, ArH), 30.23 (q, NCH₃), 20.50 (q, SCH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₁₇ H₁₆ N₂ OS requires: C, 68.9; H, 5.4; N, 9.5; S, 10.8%.

Found: C, 68.6; H, 5.5; N, 9.4; S, 10.8%.

Benzyl mercaptan (0.02 mL, 0.178 mmol) was added to a suspension of 70 (50 mg, 89 mmol) and BF3-etherate (1 drop) in CH₂ Cl₂ (1 mL). After stirring at 20° C. for 3 hours, the homogeneous mixture was poured into saturated aqueous NaHCO3, diluted with CH₂ Cl₂ and worked up, and the residue was chromatographed on silica gel. Elution with CH₂ Cl₂ /petroleum ether (1:1) gave foreruns, and elution with CH₂ Cl₂ elute benzyl [N-phenyl 1-methylindolyl-3-carboxamide-(2)]disulfide [XI: R₁ =H, R₂ =CONHPh, R₃ =Me, R₄ =S₂ CH₂ Ph] (23) (39 mg, 54%); mp (CHCl₃ /petroleum ether) 146°-148° C.

¹ H NMR: δ8.95 (1H, br s, CONH), 8.47 (1H, dd, J=7.7, 1.3 Hz, ArH-4), 7.66 (2H, dd, J=7.5, 1.2 Hz, Ph), 7.40-7.07 (11H, m, ArH-5,-6,-7 and Ph), 3.90 (3H, s, NMe).

¹³ C NMR: δ162.31 (CONHPh), 138.31 (s), 138.04 (s), 135.13 (s), 130.00 (s), 129.15, 129.06, 128.69, 127.83, 126.83 (s), 124.79, 123.94, 122.80, 122.36, 119.90, 109.92, 42.51 (CH₂ Ph), 30.73 (NCH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₂₃ H₂₀ N₂ S₂ O requires: C, 68.3; H, 5.0; N, 6.9; S, 15.9%.

Found: C, 68.4; H, 5.1; N, 6.9; S, 16.0%

Compound 71 of Table 1

Similarly was prepared, from 1-ethyl-2-indolinethione (Kendall J. D., Ficken G. E., British Patent 829,584, Chem. Abstr. 1960;54:12847h) and phenyl isocyanate, bis[N-phenyl 1-ethylindolyl-3-carboxamide-(2)]disulfide [V: R₁ =H, R₂ =CONHPh, R₃ =Et] (71) (25% yield); mp 200°-202° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ8.22 (1H, br, CONH), 7.98 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz, H-4), 7.18 (1H, t, J=8.0 Hz, H-6), 7.11-7.04 (6H, m, H-5 and Ph), 6.95 (1H, dd, J=8.0, 1.0 Hz, H-7), 4.32 (2H, q, J=7.0 Hz, NCH₂ CH₃), 1.36 (3H, t, J=7.0 Hz, NCH₂ CH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ161.73 (CONH), 137.91 (s), 137.44 (s), 128.55, 128.55, 128.35 (2s), 126.33 (s), 125.41, 123.47, 122.12, 122.07, 119.37, 110.19 (C-7), 38.86 (NCH₂ CH₃), 15.23 (NCH₂ CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₃₄ H₃₀ N₄ S₂ O₂ requires: C, 69.1; H, 5.1; N, 9.5; S, 10.8%.

Found: C, 68.9; H, 5.4; N, 9.5; S, 10.4%.

Compound 72 of Table 1

Similarly was prepared 4-chloro-1-methyl-2-indolinethione [IX: R₁ =4-Cl, R₃ =Me] (92% yield); mp 147.5°-149.5° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ7.29 (1H, t, J=8.0 Hz, H-6), 7.13 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, H-5), 6.86 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, H-7), 4.09 (2H, s, H-3), 3.60 (3H, s, NCH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ200.75 (C-2), 147.65 (s), 130.04 (s), 129.52, 127.44 (s), 124.34, 107.81 (C-7), 48.42 (C-3), 31.55 (NCH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₉ H₈ ClNS requires: C, 54.7; H, 4.1; N, 7.1; S, 16.2%.

Found: C, 54.5; H, 4.3; N, 7.1; S, 16.0%.

Reaction of this with phenyl isocyanate as above gave bis[N-phenyl 4-chloro-1-methylindolyl-3-carboxamide-(2)] disulfide [V: R₁ : 4-Cl, R₂ : CONHPh, R₃ =Me] (72) (21% yield); mp 225°-228° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ8.38 (1H, br, NH), 7.49 (1H, dd, J=7.9, 1.5 Hz, H-5), 7.12 J=7.9 HZ, H-6), 7.08-7.05 (4H, m, CONHPh), 6.98 (1H, dd, J=7.9, 1.5 Hz, H-7), 6.96 (1H, m, CONHPh), 3.77 (3H, S, N-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₃₂ H₂₄ Cl₂ N₄ O₂ S₂ requires: C, 60.8; H, 3.8; N, 8.9; C1, 11.2%.

Found: C, 60.7; H, 4.1; N, 8.7; C1, 11.8%.

Compound 73 of Table 1

Similarly was prepared, from 5-chloro-1-methyl-2-indolinethione [IX: R₁ =5-Cl, R₃ =Me]; mp 163°-165° C. (Baudin J-B, Julia S. A., Lorne R., Bull. Soc. Chim. Fr. 1987:181-188 records mp 153°-155° C.) and phenyl isocyanate, bis[N-phenyl 5-chloro-1-methylindolyl-3-carboxamide-(2)]disulfide IV: R₁ =5-Cl, R₂ =CONHPh, R₃ =Me] (73) (27% yield); mp 214°-216° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ8.14 (1H, br, CONH), 7.94 (1H, d, J=1.8 Hz, H-4), 7.12 (4H, br, ArH), 7.07 (1H, d, J=8.4 Hz, ArH), 7.01 (1H, m, ArH), 6.90 (1H, d, J=8.9 Hz, ArH), 3.76 (3H, s, NCH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ161.06 (CONH), 137.72 (s), 136.81 (s), 128.73, 128.44 (s), 128.25 (s), 126.58 (s), 126.11, 123.76, 121.27, 119.71 (s), 118.80, 111.16 (C-7), 30.53 (NCH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₃₂ H₂₄ Cl₂ N₄ O₂ S₂ requires: C, 60.8; H, 3.8; N, 8.9; S, 10.2%.

Found: C, 60.6; H, 4.0; N, 8.9; S, 10.2%.

NaBH₄ (14 mg, 0.38 mmol) was added to a stirred suspension of the above compound (0.12 g, 0.19 mmol) in MeOH (5 mL). After 15 minutes, the solution was concentrated to dryness and the residue was partitioned between EtOAc and water. The organic solution was worked up to give a solid which was recrystallized from degassed CHCl₃ /benzene at -5° C. to give N-phenyl 5-chloro-1-methyl-2-thioxoindole-3-carboxamide (20) [IV: R₁ =5-Cl, R₂ =CONHPh, R₃ =Me] as coarse needles (86% yield); mp 312°-320° C. (dec).

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ12.84 (1H, s, SH), 8.09 (1H, d, J=2.2 Hz, H-4), 7.70 (2H, d, J=8.5 Hz, H-2',6'), 7.27 (2H, dd, J=8.5, 8.2 Hz, H-3',5'), 7.07 (1H, d, J=8.4 Hz, H-7), 6.92 (1H, t, J=8.2 Hz, H-4'), 6.86 (1H, dd, J=8.4, 2.2 Hz, H-6), 3.64 (3H, s, N-CH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ164.73 (CONH), 140.81 (s), 135.17 (s), 130.29 (s), 128.55 (d), 123.93 (s), 121.01 (d), 118.20 (d), 117.65 (d), 117.30 (d), 107.97 (d), 104.40 (s), 29.18 (N-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₁₆ H₁₃ ClN₂ OS requires: M+318.0408, 316.0437.

Found: M+ (mass spectrum) 318.0414, 316.0431.

Compound 74 of Table 1

Similarly was prepared, from 7-chloro-1-methyl-2-indolinethione [IX: R₁ =7-Cl, R₃ =Me]; mp 126°-128° C. (Inoue S, Uematsu T, Kato T, Ueda K, Pestic, Sci, 1985;16:589-598 records mp 125°-127° C.) and phenyl isocyanate, bis [N-phenyl-7-chloro-1-methylindolyl-3-carboxamide-(2)]disulfide [V: R₁ =7-Cl, R₂ =CONHPh, R₃ =Me] (74) (27% yield); mp 232°-234° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ8.15 (1H, br, CONH), 7.85 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, H-4), 7.19-7.05 (5H, m, ArH), 7.00 (1H, t, J=6.6 Hz, ArH), 6.90 (1H, t, J=7.8 Hz, ArH), 4.25 (3H, s, N-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₃₂ H₂₄ Cl₂ N₄ O₂ S₂ requires: C, 60.8; H, 3.8; N, 8.9%.

Found: C, 60.4; H, 4.0; N, 8.8%.

Compound 75 of Table 1

1,4-Dimethyl-2-indolinethione [IX: R₁ =4-Me, R₃ =Me] (81%); mp 160°-162° C.

Analysis calculated for C₁₀ H₁₁ NS requires: C, 67.8; H, 6.3; N, 7.9; S, 18.1%

Found: C, 68.0; H, 6.4; N, 8.0; S, 18.3% was prepared by the method given for Compound 77 (below).

Reaction of this with phenyl isocyanate gave bis[N-phenyl 1,4-dimethylindolyl-3-carboxamide-(2)]disulfide [V: R₁ =4-CH₃, R₂ =CONHPh, R₃ =Me] (75); mp 237°-239° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ8.30 (1H, br s, CON}{), 7.14 (1H, dd, J=7.3, 7.3 hz, H-6), 7.04-6.86 (7H, m, H-5,7 and CONHPh), 3.69 (3H, s, NCH₃), 2,47 (3H, s, 4-CH₃).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ164.57 (CONHPh), 138.59, 137.62, 131.51 (3xs), 128.62 (d), 127.23 (s), 125.11 (d), 124.15 (s), 123.94, 122.62 (2xd), 122.10 (s), 119.61, 107.91 (2xs), 30.26 (NCH₃), 19.66 (4-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₃₄ H₃₀ N₄ O₂ S₂ requires: C, 69.1; H, 5.1; N, 9.5; S, 10.9%.

Found: C, 69.1; H, 5.1; N, 9.7; S, 11.0%.

Compound 76 of Table 1

1,5-Dimethyl-2-indolinethione [IX: R₁ =5-Me, R₃ =Me] ; mp 143-145° C. (Bull. Fr. 1987: 181 reports mp 132°-133° C.) was prepared by the method given for Compound 77 (below). Reaction of this with phenyl isocyanate gave bis [N-phenyl 1,5-dimethylindolyl-3-carboxamide-(2)] disulfide [V: R₁ =5-CH₃, R₂ =CONHPh, R₃ =Me] (76); mp 231°-234° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ8.24 (1H, br s, CONH), 7.78 (1H, br, H-4), 7.19-7.13 (4H, m, CONHPh), 7.05-6.90 (3H, m, H-6,7 and CONHPh), 3.71 (3H, s, NCH₃), 2.36 (3H, s, 5-CH₃).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ161.75 (CONH), 138.00, 137.10, 131.77, 129.01 (4xs), 128.53, 127.37 (2xd), 126.35 (s), 123.40, 121.33, 119.85, 109.85 (4xd), 30.32 (NCH₃), 21.57 (5-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₃₄ H₃₀ N₄ O₂ S₂ requires: C, 69.1; H, 5.1; N, 9.5; S, 10.9%.

Found: C, 69.4; H, 5.2; N, 9.6; S, 11.2%.

Compound 77 of Table 1

A mixture of 2,5-dimethylaniline (27.4 g, 0.2 mol) and benzotriazole (23.8 g, 0.2 mol) in EtOH (300 mL) was stirred at 20° C. as 37% aqueous formaldehyde (16.1 g, 0.2 mol) was added gradually. After 30 minutes, the white solid which precipitated was collected and washed with EtOH to give N-(1-benzotriazolylmethyl)-2,5-dimethylaniline (33.9 g, 67% yield); mp (EtOH) 147°-149° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ6.85-8.10 (7H, m, ArH), 6.56 (minor isomer) and 6.13 (major isomer) (2H, 2xm, CH₂), 5.08 (minor) and 4.70 (major) (1H, 2xm, NH), 2.24 (3H, s, CH₃), and 2.12 (3H, s, CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₁₅ H₁₆ N₄ requires: C, 70.6; H, 5.9; N, 23.5%.

Found: C, 71.5; H, 6.3; N, 22.1%.

A suspension of this compound (33 g, 0.13 mol) and NaBH₄ (5 g) in dioxane (400 mL) was heated under reflux for 5 hours, and the solution was concentrated. After cooling, water was added and the resulting mixture was extracted with EtOAc. The organic layer was washed twice with aqueous K₂ CO₃ and water, and dried (Na₂ SO₄). Removal of the solvent gave N, 2,5-trimethylaniline (17.6 g, 99% yield) as an oil, which was used directly.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): 6 6.93 (1H, d, J=7.4 Hz, H-3), 6.49 (1H, d, J=7.6 Hz, H-4), 6.44 (1H, s, H-6), 3.72, (1H, s, NH), 2.88 (3H, S, NCH₃), 2.31 (3H, s, CH₃), and 2.09 (3H, s, CH₃).

A solution of 2,4,6-trimethylaniline (6.86 g, 5 mmol) in dry THF (100 mL) under an atmosphere of N₂ was cooled to -78° C. and n-butyllithium (21 mL, 2.5M solution in hexanes) was added dropwise. The mixture was allowed to warm to 0° C., and dry CO₂ gas was bubbled in for 2-3 minutes. The excess CO₂ was removed under vacuum, and after the addition of further THF to replace that lost by evaporation, the solution was recooled to -78° C. n-Butyllithium (22 mL, 2.5M solution in hexanes) was again added dropwise, and the temperature was then allowed to rise slowly to -10° C. where a deep red colored solution was obtained. After a further 30 minutes at that temperature, the mixture was again recooled to -78° C. and CO₂ gas was bubbled in until the red color disappeared. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to 20° C., and after removal of the solvent, 0.1M HCL (50 mL) was added to initiate both deprotection of the nitrogen and ring-closure. The resulting mixture was extracted with EtOAc, and this was then washed successively with 0.1M HCl, water, and dilute aqueous Na₂ CO₃. After drying (Na₂ SO₄), the solvent was removed under vacuum, to leave an oil which was purified by chromatography on Al₂ O₃ to give 1,6-dimethyl-2-indolinone (3.37 g, 42% yield) [VII: R₁ =6-Me; R₃ =Me]; mp (hexane) 94.5°-96° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ7.11 (2H, d, J=7.5 Hz, H-4), 6.85 (2H, d, J=7.5 Hz, H-5), 6.65 (1H, s, H-7), 3.47 (2H, s, CH₂), 3.19 (3H, s, 1-CH₃), and 2.38 (3H, s, 6-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₁₀ H₁₁ NO requires: C, 74.5; H, 6.9; N, 8.7%.

Found: C, 74.5; H, 6.6; N, 8.7%.

Thiation of this with P₂ S₅ as above gave 1,6-dimethyl-2-indolinethione [IX: R₁ =6-Me, R₃ =Me]; mp 141°-143° C.

Analysis calculated for C₁₀ H₁₁ NS requires: C, 67.8; H, 6.3; N, 7.9; S, 18.1%.

Found: C, 67.6; H, 6.5; N, 8.2; S, 18.0%.

This was reacted with phenyl isocyanate as above to give bis [N-phenyl 1,6-dimethylindolyl-3-carboxamide-(2)]disulfide [V: R₁ =6-CH₃, R₂ =CONHPh, R₃ =Me] (77); mp 192°-195° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ8.16 (1H, br s, CONH), 7.85 (1H, d, J=8.3 Hz, H-4), 7.10 (4H, br, CONHPh, 6.98 (1H, m, CONHPh), 6.87 (1H, d, J=8.3 Hz, H-5), 6.73 (1H, br, H-7), 3.71 (3H, s, NCH₃), 2.35 (3H, s, 6-CH₃).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ161.49 (CONH), 139.05, 137.98, 135.63 (3xs), 128.44 (d), 126.10 (s), 124.28 (d), 124.06 (s), 123.17, 121.61, 119.21, 109.85 (4xd), 30.17 (NCH₃), 21.98 (6-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₃₄ H₃₀ N₄ O₂ S₂ requires: C, 69.1; H, 5.1; N, 9.5; S, 10.9%.

Found: C, 68.9; H, 5.2; N, 9.6; S, 11.0%.

Compound 78 of Table 1

Similarly was prepared 1,7-dimethyl-2-indolinethione [IX: R₁ =7-Me, R₃ -Me]; mp 138°-9° C.

Analysis calculated for C₁₀ H₁₁ NS requires: C, 67.8; H. 6.3; N, 7.9; S, 18.1%.

Found: C, 67.6; H, 6.2; N, 8.0; S, 18.1%.

Reaction of this with phenyl isocyanate gave bis [N-phenyl 1,7-dimethyl indolyl-3-carboxamide-(2)]disulfide [V: R₁ =7-CH₃, R₂ =CONHPh, R₃ =Me] (78); mp 221°-223° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ8.11 (1H, br s, CONH), 7.83 (1H, J=8.1 Hz, H-4), 7.15-7.07 (4H, m, COMHPh), 6.99 (1H, m, CONHPh), 6.94 (1H, dd, J=8.1, 8.1 Hz, H-5), 6.85 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz, H-6), 4.07 (3H, s, NCH₃), 2.44 (3H, s, 7-CH₃).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ161.67 (CONH), 137.95, 137.86 (2xs), 128.55, 128.31 (2xd), 126.85 (s), 123.57, 122.10 (2xd), 121.77 (s), 119.72, 119.21 (2xd), 33.36 (NCH₃), 20.23 (7-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₃₄ H₃₀ N₄ O₂ S₂ requires: C, 69.1; H, 5.1; N, 9.5; S, 10.9%.

Found: C, 69.1; H, 5.2; N, 9.7; S, 11.0%.

Compound 79 of Table 1

Similarly was prepared, from 4-methoxy-1-methyl-2-indolinethione [IX: R₁ =4-OMe, R₃ =Me]; mp 141°-144° C. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,030,646 records mp 126°-128° C.) and phenyl isocyanate, bis [N-phenyl 4-methoxy-1-methyl indolyl-3-carboxamide-(2)]disulfide [V: R₁ =4-OCH₃, R₂ =CONHPh, R₃ =Me] (79); mp 225°-228° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ8.85 (1H, br s, CONH), 7.25-7.06 (5H, m, H-6 and CONHPh), 6.98 (1H, m, CONHPh), 6.82 (1H, d, J=8.3 Hz, H-7), 6.36 (1H, d, J=7.8 Hz, H-5), 3.76 (3H, s, OCH₃), 3.69 (3H, s, NCH₃)

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): 162.36 (CON] {), 152.70, 139.39, 138.73, 130.20 (4xs), 128.54, 125.39, 123.08 (3xs), 130.20 (s), 128.54, 125.39, 123.08 (3xd), 19.96 (s), 119.19 (d), 114.66 (s), 103.67, 101.55 (2xd), 22.58 (OCH₃), 30.48 (NCH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₃₄ H₃₀ N₄ O₄ S₂ requires: C, 65.6; H, 4.9; N, 9.0; S, 10.3%.

Found: C, 65.7; H, 4.9; N, 9.2; S, 10.2%.

Compound 80 of Table 1

Similarly was prepared, from 5-methoxy-1-methyl-2-indolinethione [IX: R₁ =5-OMe, R₃ =Me]; mp 148°-150° C. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,030,646 records mp 142°-144° C.) and phenyl isocyanate, bis[N-phenyl 5-methoxy-1-methylindolyl-3-carboxamide-(2)]disulfide [V: R₁ =5-OCH₃, R₂ =CONHPh, R₃ =Me] (80); mp 161°-164° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ8.41 (1H, br s, CONH), 7.55 (d, J=1.8 Hz, H-4), 7.18 (4H, m, CONHPh), 7.00 (2H, m, H-6 and CONHPh), 6.89 (1H, d, J=7.4 Hz, H-7), 3.82 (3 H, s, OCH₃ ), 3.68 (3 H, s, NCH₃).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ161.80 (CONH), 155.94, 137.87, 134.07 (3xs), 128.71, 123.68, 119.50, 117.48, 111.10, 102.29 (6xd), 55.63 {OCH₃), 30.47 (NCH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₃₄ H₃₀ N₄ O₄ S₂ requires: C, 65.6; H, 4.9; N, 9.0; S, 10.3%.

Found: C, 65.3; H, 5.1; N, 9.2; S, 10.4%.

Compound 81 of Table 1

Similarly was prepared, from 6-methoxy-1-methyl-2-indolinethione [IX: R₁ =6-OMe, R₃ =Me]; mp 133°-136° C. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,030,646 records mp 135°-136° C.) and phenyl isocyanate, bis[N-phenyl 6-methoxy-1-methyl indolyl-3-carboxamide -(2)]disulfide IV: R₁ =6-OCH₃, R₂ =CONHPh, R₃ =Me] (81); mp 197°-200° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ8.19 (1H, br s, CONH), 7.91 (1H, d, J=8.9 Hz, H-4), 7.12 (4H, br, CONHPh), 6.97 (1H, m, CONHPh), 6.71 (1H, d, J=8.9 Hz, H-5), 6.25 (1H, br, H-7), 3.74 (3H, s, OCH₃), 3.70 (3H, s, NCH₃).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ161.37 (CONH), 158.75, 139.82, 138.04, 128.65 (4xs), 128.50, 123.30, 123.12, (3xd), 120.64, 120.26 (2xs), 119.10, 113.22, 98.02 (3xd), 55.26 (OCH₃), 30.21 (NCH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₃₄ H₃₀ N₄ O₄ S₂ requires: C, 65.6; H, 4.9; N, 9.0; S, 10.3%.

Found: C, 65.5; H, 4.8; N, 9.2; S, 10.4%.

Compound 82 of Table 1

Similarly was prepared, from 7-methoxy-1-methyl-2-indolinethione [IX: R₁ =7-OMe, R₃ =Me]; mp 124°-126° C. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,030,646 records mp 114°-116° C.) and phenyl isocyanate, bis[N-phenyl 7-methoxy-1-methylindolyl-3-carboxamide-(2)]disulfide [V: R₁ =7-OCH₃, R₂ =CONHPh, R₃ =Me] (82); mp 205°-208° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ8.14 (1H, br s, CONH), 7.57 (1H, d, J=8.2 Hz, H-4), 7.13 (4H, m, CONHPh), 6.96 (1H, m, CPNHPh), 6.93 (1H, dd, J=8.2, 8.2 Hz, H-5), 6.48 (1H, d, J=8.2 Hz, H-6), 4.12 (3H, s, OCH₃), 3.73 (3H, s, NCH₃).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ161.72 (CONH), 147.12, 137.99, 129.08 (3xs), 128.45 (d), 128.01 (s), 123.27, 122.35, 119.33, 114.13, 105.35 (5xd), 55.22 (OCH₃), 33.73 (NCH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₃₄ H₃₀ N₄ O₄ S₂ requires: C, 65.6; H, 4.9; N, 9.0; S, 10.3%.

Found: C, 64.9; H, 5.0; N, 9.0; S, 10.4%.

Compound 84 of Table 1

A solution of 3-(methylthio)-5-(trifluoromethyl)oxindole (Gassman P. G., Cue B. W., Luh T-Y, J. Org. Chem. 1977;42:1344-1348) (10 g, 40 mmol) in AcOH (100 mL) was heated under reflux with Zn dust (13.3 g, 0.2 mol) for 1 hour. The mixture was cooled and filtered, and the precipitate was washed with AcOH. The combined filtrates were evaporated under reduced pressure, and the residue was diluted with 1M aqueous ammonia to give 5-trifluoromethyloxindole [VII: R₁ =5-CF₃, R₃ =H] (7.22 g, 90%); mp (aqueous EtOH) 188.5°-191° C. (lit. [Hardtmann G. E., U.S. Pat. No. 4,160,032; Chem. Abstr, 1979;91:P107890w]; mp 188°-189° C.).

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ8.74 (1H, s, NH), 7.52 (1H, d, J=8.2}{z, H-6), 7.49 (1H, s, H-4), 6,97 (1H, d, J=8.2 Hz, H-7), 3.61 (2H, s, CH₂).

A suspension of the above oxindole (5.03 g, 25 mmol) in water (100 mL) containing NaOH (1.5 g) was treated with Me₂ SO₄ (4.7 g, 37 mmol). The mixture was warmed to 100° C. for 10 minutes, cooled, a further portion of Me₂ SO₄ and NaOH added, and warmed again briefly. After thorough cooling, the solid was collected and chromatographed on alumina. Elution with CH₂ Cl₂ /hexane (7:3) gave 1-methyl-5-(trifluoromethyl)oxindole [VII: R₁ =5-CF₃, R₃ -Me] (3.5 g, 65%); mp (hexane) 127.5°-129° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ7.58 (1H, d, J=8.2 Hz, H-6), 7.50 (1H, s, H-4), 6.89 (1H, d, J=8.2 Hz, H-7), 3.58 (2H, s, CH₂), 3.25 (3H, s, CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₁₀ H₈ F₃ NO requires: C, 55.8; H, 3.8; N. 6.5%.

Found: C, 55.5; H, 3.8; N, 6.5%.

Reaction of this compound with P₂ S₅ as above gave 1-methyl-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-indolinethione [IX: R₁ =5-CF₃, R₃ =Me] (96% yield); mp 124.5°-126° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ7.63 (1H, dd, J=8.3, 0.8 Hz, H-6), 7.54 (1H, d, J=0.8 Hz, H-4), 7.03 (1H, d, J=8.3 Hz, H-7), 4.15 (2H, s, C-3), 3.64 (3H, s, N-CH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ202.28 (C-2), 149.34 (s), 129.60 (s), 126.54 (J=32.5 Hz, C-5), 125.9 (J=4.0 Hz), 124.21 (J=271.9 Hz) (CF3), 121.00 (J=3.8 Hz), 109.28 (d), 48.75 (C-3), 31.35 (N-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for (C₁₀ H₈ F₃ NS) requires: C, 51.9; H, 3.5; N, 6.3; S, 14.1%.

Found: C, 52.0; H, 3.7; N, 6.3; S, 14.1%.

Reaction of this with phenyl isocyanate as above gave 2,2-dithiobis [N-phenyl-1-methyl-5-(trifluoro-methyl) indolyl-3-carboxamide] (84) [V: R₁ =5-CF₃, R₂ =CONHPh, R₃ -Me] (71% yield); mp 214°-216° C.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ9.53 (1H, S, CONH), 8.14 (1H, br s, H-4), 7.59 (1H, d, J=8.8 Hz, H-7), 7.53 (1H, dd, J=8.8, 1.5 Hz, H-6), 7.12-7.09 (4H, m, ArH), 6.97 (1H, m, ArH), 3.76 (3H, s, N-CH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ160.49 (CONH), 138.93 (s), 138.21 (s), 131.76 (s), 128.19 (d), 124.96 (J=271.6 Hz, CF₃), 124.60 (d), 119.21 (s), 119.09 (d), 118.57 (J=4.1 Hz), 30.46 (N-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₃₄ H₂₄ F₆ N₄ O₂ S₂ requires: C, 58.4; H, 3.5; N, 8.0; S, 9.2%.

Found: C, 58.5; H, 3.8; N, 7.9; S, 9.3%.

Compound 85 of Table 1

Methylation of 6-chlorooxindole [VII: R₁ =6-Cl, R₃ =H] (Quallich G. J., Morrissey P. M., Synthesis 1993:51-53) with Me₂ SO₄ /NaOH as above gave 6-chloro-1-methyloxindole [VII: R₁ =6-Cl, R₃ =CH₃ ]; mp (aqueous EtOH) 119.5°-122° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ7.15 (1H, d, J=7.8 Hz, H-4), 7.01 (1H, dd, J=7.8, 1.8 Hz, H-5), 6.82 (1H, d, J=1.7 Hz, H-7), 3.49 (2H, s, CH₂), 3.19 (3H, s, CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₉ H₈ ClNO requires: C, 59.5; H, 4.4; N, 7.7%.

Found: C, 59.6; H, 4.6; N, 7.6%.

Reaction of this with P₂ S₅ as above gave 6-chloro-1-methyl-2-indolinethione [IX: R₁ =6-Cl, R₃ =Me] (87% yield); mp (EtOAc/petroleum ether) 162°-165° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ7.20 (1H, d, J=7.9 }{z, H-4), 7.13 (1H, dd, J=7.9, 1.7 Hz, H-5), 6.96 (1H, d, J=1.7 Hz, H-7), 4.06 (2H, s, H-3), 3.59 (3H, s, N-CH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ202.00 (C-2), 147.76 (s), 133.98 (s), 127.35 (s), 124.64 (d), 124.06 (d), 110.20 (d), 48.59 (C-3), 31.29 (N-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₉ H₈ ClN₂ SO requires: C, 54.7; H, 4.1; N, 7.1; S, 16.2%.

Found: C, 54.8; H, 4.1; N, 7.0; S, 16.3%.

Reaction of this with phenyl isocyanate as above gave bis[N-phenyl 6-chloro-1-methylindolyl-3-carboxamide-(2)]disulfide (85) IV: R₁ =6-Cl, R₂ =CONHPh, R₃ =Me] (61% yield); mp 243°-245° C.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ9.43 (1H, br, CONH), 7.77 (1H, d, J=8.6 Hz, H-4), 7.46 (1H, d, J=1.4 Hz, H-7), 7.19-7.09 (5H, m, ArH), 7.01 (1H, m, ArH), 3.67 (3H, s, N-CH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ160.66 (CONH), 138.29 (s), 138.04 (s), 129.87 (s), 129.41 (s), 128.15 (d), 123.94 (s), 122.91 (d), 122.37 (d), 121.70 (d), 119.20 (s), 119.12 (d), 110.69 (d), 30.22 (N-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₃₂ H₂₄ Cl₂ N₄ O₂ S₂ requires: C, 60.9; H, 3.8; N, 8.9; S, 10.2%.

Found: C, 60.9; H, 4.0; N, 8.7; S, 10.2%.

Compound 86 of Table 1

Similarly was prepared, from 1-methyl-5-nitro-2-oxindole (Robinson R, Wyler M, J. Chem. Soc. 1941: 620-624), 1-methyl-5-nitro-2-indolinethione [IX: R₁ =5-NO₂, R₃ =Me] (68% yield); mp (EtOAc/light petroleum) >330° C.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ8.28 (1H, dd, J=8.7, 1.7 Hz, H-6), 8.17 (1H, d, J=1.7 Hz, H-4), 7.41 (1H, d, J=8.7 Hz, H-7), 4.26 (2H, s, H-3), 3.60 (3H, s, N-CH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ203.48 (C-2), 151.49 (s), 143.81 (s), 130.53 (s), 124.80 (d), 119.00 (d), 110.24 (d), 48.45 (C-3), 31.34 (N-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₉ H₈ N₂ SO₂ requires: M+208.0306.

Found: M+208.0311 (mass spectrum).

Reaction of this with phenyl isocyanate as above gave 2,2'-dithiobis [N-phenyl-1-methyl-5-nitroindolyl-3-carboxamide] (86) [V: R₁ =5-NO₂, R₂ =CONHPh, R₃ =Me] (52% yield); mp 236°-240° C. (dec).

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ CO): δ9.68 (1H, br, CONH), 8.64 (1H, d, J=1.6 Hz, H, Ho4), 8.07 (1H, dd, J=8.8, 1.6 Hz, H-6), 7.56 (1H, d, J=8.8Hz, H-7), 7.18-7.08 (4H, m, ArH), 6.98 (1H, t, J=6.8 Hz, ArH), 3.79 (3H, s, N-CH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ160.04 (CONH) 141.96 (s), 140.17 (s), 138.22 (s), 128.24 (d), 124.35 (s), 123.09 (d), 120.25 (s), 118.90 (d), 117.76 (d), 111.64 (d), 30.70 (N-CH₃)

Analysis calculated for C₃₂ H₂₄ N₆ O₆ S₂ 0.2H₂ O requires: C, 55.8; H, 4.1; N, 12.2%.

Found: C, 55.5; H, 3.9; N, 12.0%.

Analysis calculated for C₃₂ H₂₅ N₆ S₂ O₆ requires: [M+H]⁺ 653.1277.

Found: [M +H]⁺ 653.1275 (FAB mass spectrum).

Compound 87 of Table 1

Similarly was prepared, from 5-fluoro-1-methyloxindole (Wiseman E. H., Chiaini J., McManus J. M., J. Med, them, 1973;16:131-134), 5-fluoro-1-methyl-2-indolinethione [IX: R₁ =5-F, R₃ =Me] (93% yield); mp 155°-157° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ7.11-6.99 (2H, m, H-4,6), 6.88 (1H, dd, J=9.3, 4.2 Hz, H-7), 4.09 (2H, s, H-3), 3.61 (3H, s, N-CH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ200.61 (C-2), 160.49(J=243.6 Hz, C-5), 142.76 (s), 130.80 (J=8.6 Hz, C-3a), 114.48 (J=24.1 Hz), 112.13 (J=25.1 Hz), 109.94 (J=8.6 Hz), 48.96 (J=1.8 Hz, C-3), 31.38 (N-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₉ H₈ FNS requires: C, 59.7; H, 4,5; N, 7.7; S, 17.7%.

Found: C, 59.7; H, 4.6; N, 7.8; S, 17.4%.

Reaction of this with phenyl isocyanate as above gave 2,2'-dithiobis [N-phenyl-5-fluoro-1-methylindolyl-3-carboxamide] (87) [V: R₁ =5-F, R₂ =CONHPh, R₃ =Me]) (74% yield); mp 205°-207° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ8.17 (1H, br, CONH), 7.64 (1H, dd, J=9.4, 2.0 Hz, H-4), 7.17 (4H, br d, ArH), 7.00 (1H, m, ArH), 6.95-6.88 (2H, m, ArH), 3.78 (3H, s, N-CH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ161.17 (CONH), 158.97 (J=239.4 Hz, C-5), 138.02 (s), 135.71 (s), 128.69 (d), 123.69 (d), 118.87 (d), 114.66 (J=27.1 Hz), 111.14 (J=10.0 Hz), 106.92 (J=25.5 Hz), 30.61 (N-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₃₂ H₂₄ F₂ N₄ O₂ S₂ requires: C, 64.2; H, 4.0; N, 9.4; S, 10.7%.

Found: C, 63.9; H, 4.2; N, 9.3; S, 10.7%.

Compound 88 of Table 1

Reduction of 5-cyano-3-methylthiooxindole (Gassman P. G., Cue B. W., Luh T-Y, J. Org. Chem. 1977;42: 1344-1348) with Zn/AcOH as above gave 5-cyanooxindole [VII: R₁ =5-CN; R₃ =H] (89% yield); mp (aqueous EtOH) 249° C. (dec) (lit. [Gassman P. G., Gilbert D. P., Luh T-Y, JOC 1977;42:1340-1344]; mp 249°-251° C.). Methylation of this with Me₂ SO₄ /NaOH as above gave 5-cyano-1-methyloxindole [VII: R₁ =5-CN, R₃ =H] (53% yield); mp (hexane) 201°-203° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ7.63 (1H, dd, J=8.1, 1.1 Hz, H-6), 7.51 (1H, d, J=1.1 Hz, H-4), 6.90 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz, H-7), 3.57 (2H, s, CH₂), 3.25 (3H, s, CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₁₀ H₈ N₂ O requires: C, 69.8; H, 4.7; N, 16.3%.

Found: C, 70.2; H, 4.64; N, 16.7%.

Reaction of the above compound with P₂ S₅ gave 5-cyano-1-methyl-2-indolinethione [IX: R₁ =5-CN, R₃ =Me] (41% yield); mp 185°-187° C.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ7.87 (1H, br d, J=8.3 Hz, H-6), 7.76 (1H, br s, H-4), 7.41 (1H, d, J=8.3 Hz, H-7), 4.22 (2H, s, H-3), 3.58 (3H, s, N-CH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ202.34 (C-2), 149.78 (s), 133.05 (d), 130.42 (s), 126.92 (d), 119.05 (s), 110.98 (d), 48.20 (C-3), 31.11 (N-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₁₀ H₈ N₂ S.0.5H₂ O requires: C, 60.7; H, 4.6; N, 14.2%.

Found: C, 61.3; H, 4.1; N, 14.4%.

Reaction of this with phenyl isocyanate as above gave 2,2'-dithiobis[N-phenyl-5-cyano-1-methylindolyl-3-carboxamide] (88) [V: R₁ =5-CN, R₂ =CONHPh, R₃ =Me] (47% yield); mp 221°-224° C.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ9.51 (1H, s, CONH), 8.18 (1H, br s, H-4), 7.60-7.48 (2H, m, H-6,7), 7.20-7.06 (4H, m, ArH), 7.00 (1H, br s, ArH), 3.75 (3H, s, N-CH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ160.21 (CONH), 138.97 (s), 138.26 (s), 132.74 (C-5), 128.77 (s), 128.27 (d), 126.52 (d), 124.72 (s), 123.14 (d), 119.80 (s), 119.11 (d), 118.87 (s), 112.29 (d), 103.53 (CN), 30.46 (N-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₃₄ H₂₄ N₆ O₂ S₂.0.5H₂ O requires: C, 65.7; H, 4.1; N, 13.5; S, 10.3%.

Found: C, 65.6; H, 4.0; N, 13.5; S, 10.6%.

Compound 89 of Table 1

Similarly was prepared, from 5-bromo-1-methyl-2-indolinethione [IX: R₁ =5-Br, R₃ =Me]; mp 137°-139° C., (Baudin J-B, Julia S. A., Lorne R., Bull. Soc. Chim. France 1987:181 records mp 126°-127° C.) and phenyl isocyanate as above, 2,2'-dithiobis [N-phenyl-5-bromo-1-methylindolyl-3-carboxamide] (89) [V: R₁ =5-Br, R₂ =CONHPh, R₃ =Me] (68% yield); mp 219°-221° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ8.14 (1H, br, CONH), 8.10 (1H, d, J=1.6 Hz, H-4), 7.21-7.12 (5H, m, ArH), 7.01 (1H, m, ArH), 6.83 (1H, br d, J=8.2 Hz, ArH), 3.73 (3H, s, N-CH₃ ).

¹³ C NMR: δ161.04 (CONH), 137.68 (s), 137.00 (s), 128.75 (d), 128.60 (d) 127.13 (s), 124.29 (d), 123.78 (d), 118.82 (d), 115.92 (s), 111.46 (d), 30.48 (N-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₃₂ H₂₄ Br₂ N₄ O₂ S₂ requires: C, 53.3; H, 3.4; N, 7.8; S, 8.9%.

Found: C, 53.1; H, 3.5; N, 7.7; S, 8.9%.

Compound 90 of Table 1

A solution of 4-methoxy-1-methyl-2-oxindole [VII: R₁ =4-OMe, R₃ =Me] (1.20 g, 6.77 mmol) in 48% HBr/glacial AcOH (40 mL) was heated under reflux for 6 hours, then poured into water. The precipitate of crude phenol was filtered off, washed well with water and dried, then acetylated with Ac₂ O/pyridine for 1 hour at 20° C. Solvents were removed under reduced pressure, and the residue was partitioned between EtOAc and 3N HCl. Chromatography of the organic residue on silica gel, eluting with EtOAc/petroleum ether gave 4-acetoxy-1-methyl-2-oxindole [VII: R₁ =4-OAc, R₃ =Me] (75% yield); mp 109°-111° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ7.30 (1H, dd, J=8.2, 7.7 Hz, H-6), 6.78 (1H, d, J=8.2 Hz, H-7), 6.71 (1H, d, J=7.7 Hz, H-5), 3.41 (2H, s, H-3), 3.22 (3H, s, N-CH₃), 2.32 (3H, s, OCOCH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ174.26 (C-2), 168.30 (OCOCH₃), 164.71 (s), 146.58 (s), 129.12, 116.62 (s), 115.83 (d), 105.90 (d), 3.74 (C-3), 26.51 (N-CH₃), 20.83 (COOCH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₁₁ H₁₁ NO₃ requires: C, 64.4; H, 5.4; N, 6.8%.

Found: C, 64.3; H, 5.4; N, 7.0%.

Reaction of this with P₂ S₅ as above gave 4-acetoxy-1-methyl-2-indolinethione [IX: R₁ =4-OAc, R₃ =Me] (94% yield); mp 156° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ7.35 (1H, dd, J=8.2, 7.9 Hz, H-6), 6.90 (1H, d, J=8.2 Hz, H-7), 6.86 (1H, d, J=7.9 Hz, H-5), 4.00 (2H, s, H-3), 3.61 (3H, s, N-CH₃), 2.32 (3H, s, OCOCH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ200.75 (C-2), 168.14 (OCOCH₃), 148.30 (s), 146.27 (s), 129.44 (d), 121.18 (s), 117.69 (d), 107.32 (d), 47.09 (C-3), 31.57 (N-CH₃), 20.81 (COOCH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₁₁ H₁₁ NO₂ S requires: C, 59.7; H, 5.0; N, 6.3; S, 14.5%.

Found: C, 59.4; H, 5.2; N, 6.6; S, 14.5%.

Reaction with phenyl isocyanate as above gave 2,2'-dithiobis [N-phenyl 4 -acetoxy-1-methylindolyl-3-carboxamide] (90) [V: R₁ =4-OAc, R₂ =CONHPh, R₃ =Me] (31%); mp 194° C.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ9.92 (1H, s, CONH), 7.34-7.27 (4H, m, H-5,7,2',6'), 7.14 (2H, dd, J=7.8, 7.6 Hz, H-3',5'), 6.98 (1H, t, J=7.8 Hz, H-5'), 6.89 (1H, dd, J=8.0, 7.8 Hz, H-5), 3.66 (3H, s, NCH₃), 1.95 (3H, s, OCH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ168.57 (CONHPh), 162.09 (OCOCH₃), 142.91 (s), 139.20 (s), 138.75 (s), 129.01 (s), 128.38 (d), 124.56 (d), 123.14 (d), 119.23 (s), 118.38 (d), 117.70 (s), 113.94 (d), 108.70 (d), 30.39 (N-CH₃), 20.32 (COOCH_(s) ).

Analysis calculated for C₃₆ H₃₀ N₄ O₆ S₂ requires: 679.1685.

Found: [M+H]⁺ 679.1705 (FABMS).

Compound 91 of Table 1

Similar demethylation/acetylation of 5-methoxy-1-methyl-2-oxindole [VII: R₁₋₅ -OMe, R₃ =Me] gave 5-acetoxy-1-methyl-2-oxindole [VII: R₁ =5-OAc, R₃ =Me] (70% yield); mp (EtOAc/petroleum ether) 104°-106° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ7.01 (1H, br s, H-4), 7.00 (1H, dd, J=9.1, 2.4 Hz, H-6), 3.53 (2H, s, H-3), 3.20 (3H, s, N-CH₃), 2.30 (3H, s, OCOCH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ174.79 (C-2), 169.96 (OCOCH₃), 146.08 (s), 142.96 (s), 125.50 (s), 120.84 (d), 118.54 (d), 108.25 (d), 35.89 (C-3), 26.30 (N-CH₃), 21.04 (0COCH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₁₁ H₁₁ NO₃ requires: C, 64.4; H, 5.4; N, 6.8%.

Found: C, 64.4; H, 5.4; N, 6.8%.

Reaction of this with P₂ S₅ as above gave 5-acetoxy-1-methyl-2-indolinethione [IX: R₁ =5-OAc, R₃ =Me] (86% yield); mp 134°-135.5° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ7.06 (2H, br s, H-4,6), 6.93 (1H, d, J=8.6 Hz, H-7), 4.08 (2H, s, H-3), 3.60 (3H, s, N -CH₃), 2.31 (3H, s, OCOCH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ200.86 (C-2), 169.62 (OCOCH₃) 147.62 (s), 144.14 (s), 130.10 (s), 120.97 (d), 117.99 (d), 109.62 (d), 48.79 (C-3), 31.24 (N-CH₃), 20.94 (0COCH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₁₁ H₁₁ NO₂ S requires: C, 59.7; H, 5.0; N, 6.3; S, 14.5%.

Found: C, 59.6; H, 5.2; N, 6.2; S, 14.6%.

Reaction with phenyl isocyanate as above gave 2,2'-dithiobis [N-phenyl-5 -acetoxy-1-methylindolyl-3-carboxamide] (91) [V: R₁ =5-OAc, R₂ =CONHPh, R₃ =Me], (45% yield); mp 147°-150° C.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ9.60 (1H, br, CONH), 7.54 (1H, d, J=1.9 Hz, H-4), 7.42 (1H, d, J=8.9 Hz, H-7), 7.23 (2H, d, J=7.8 Hz, H-2',6'), 7.17 (2H, dd, J=7.8, 7.1 Hz, H-3',5'), 7.06 (1H, dd, J=8.9, 1.9 Hz, H-6), 6.98 (1H, t, J=7.1 Hz, H-4), 3.66 (3H, s, NCH₃), 2.29 (3 H, s, OCOCH₃ ).

¹³ H NMR: δ169.52 (CONH), 161.18 (OCOCH₃), 145.27 (s), 138.49 (s), 135.41 (s), 128.31 (d), 125.46 (s), 122.94 (d), 119.15 (d), 112.82 (d), 111.43 (d), 30.26, (N-CH₃), 20.80 (OCOCH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₃₆ H₃₀ N₄ O₆ S₂.0.5H₂ O requires: C, 62.9; H, 4.5; N, 8.2; S, 9.3%.

Found: C, 63.1; H, 4.6; N, 8.2; S, 9.5%.

Compound 92 of Table 1

A stirred suspension of the 5-acetoxydisulfide (91) (0.25 g, 0.37 mmol) in MeOH (15 mL) was treated with NaBH₄ (0.05 g, 1.32 mmol) at 20° C. for 10 minutes. Aqueous 3N KOH (2 mL) was then added, and after a further 15 minutes the solution was diluted with water and extracted with CH₂ Cl₂. The resulting oil was immediately dissolved in MeOH (3 mL) and mixed with H₂ O₂ (0.10 mL of 35%). The solution was chilled at -30° C. for 48 hours and then filtered to yield 2,2'-dithiobis (N-phenyl-5-hydroxy-1-methylindole-3-carboxamide) (92) [V: R₁ =5-OH, R₂ =CONHPh, R₃ =Me] (41 mg, 19%); mp 185°-187° C.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ9.50 (1H, s, CONH), 9.15 (1H, br, OH), 7.32 (2H, d, J=7.8 Hz, H-2',6'), 7.27 (1H, d, J=8.9 Hz, H-7), 7.19 (1H, d, J=2.3 Hz, H-4), 7.18 (2H, dd, J=7.8, 7.4 Hz, H-3',5'), 6.99 (1H, t, J=7.4 Hz, H-4'), 6.83 (1H, dd, J=8.9, 2.3 Hz, H-6), 3.51 (3H, s, N-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₃₂ H₂₆ N₄ O₄ S₂.H₂ O requires: C, 64.6; H, 4.4; N, 9.4%.

Found: C, 62.7; H, 4.6; N, 9.1%.

Compound 93 of Table 1

Similar demethylation/acetylation of 6-methoxy-1-methyl-2-oxindole [VII: R₁ =6-OMe, R₃ =Me] gave 6-acetoxy-1-methyl-2-oxindole [VII: R₁ =6-OAc, R₃ =Me] (81% yield); mp 119°-121 ° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ7.22 (1H, d, J=7.9 Hz, H-4), 6.74 (1H, dd, J=7.9, 2.1 Hz, H-5), 6.59 (1H, d, J=2.1 Hz, H-7), 3.49 (2H, s, H-3), 3.18 (3H, s, N-CH₃), 2.31 (3H, s, OCOCH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ175.28 (C-2), 169.57 (OCOCH₃), 150.74 (s), 146.23 (s), 124.83 (d), 121.81 (s), 115.00 (d), 102.68 (d), 35.33 (C-3), 26.27 (N-CH₃), 21.09 (OCOCH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₁₁ H₁₁ NO₃ requires: C, 64.4; H, 5.4; N, 6.8%.

Found: C, 64.5; H, 5.5; N, 6.9%.

Reaction of this with P₂ S₅ as above gave 6-acetoxy-1-methyl-2-indolinethione [IX: R₁ =6-OAc, R₃ =Me] (91% yield); mp 131°-133° C.

¹ H NMR: δ(CDCl₃) 7.27 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, H-4), 6.87 (1H, dd, J=8.0, 1.9 Hz, H-5), 6.75 (1H, d, J=1.9 Hz, H-7), 4.08 (2H, s, H-3), 3.58 (s, N-CH₃), 2.33 (3H, s, OCOCH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ202.18 (C-2), 169.44 (0COCH₃), 150.80 (s), 147.57 (s), 126.38 (s), 124.32 (d), 117.05 (d), 104.06 (d), 48.62 (C-3), 31.33 (N-CH₃), 21.09 (OCOCH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₁₁ H₁₁ NO₂ S requires: C, 59.7; H, 5.0; N, 6.3; S, 14.5%.

Found: C, 59.4; H, 5.2; N, 6.1; S, 14.3%.

Reaction with phenyl isocyanate as above gave 2,2'-dithiobis [N-phenyl-6 -acetoxy-1-methylindolyl-3-carboxamide] (93) [V: R₁ =6-OAc, R₂ =CONHPh, R₃ =Me] (53%); mp 219°-222° C.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ9.71 (1H, br s, CONH), 7.78 (1H, d, J=8.7 Hz, H-4), 7.27 (3H, m, H-2',6'), 7.18 (2H, dd, J=8.2, 7.3 Hz, H-3',5'), 6.99 (1H, t, J=7.3 Hz, H-4'), 6.95 (1H, dd, J=8.7, 1.8 Hz, H-5), 3.60 (3H, s, NCH₃), 2.32 (3 H, s, OCOCH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ169.31 (CONHPh), 161.23 (OCOCH₃), 147.99 (s), 138.54 (s), 137.66 (s), 128.29 (d), 123.13 (s), 122.98 (d), 121.48 (d), 119.38 (d), 118.73 (s), 116.34 (d), 103.76 (d), 30.17 (N-CH₃), 20.81 (OCOCH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₃₆ H₃₀ N₄ O₆ S₂ requires: C, 63.7; H. 4.5; N, 8.3; S, 9.4%.

Found: C, 63.7; H, 4.4; N, 8.2; S, 9.8%.

Compound 94 of Table 1

Similar treatment of the 6-acetoxydisulfide (93) gave 2,2'-dithiobis (6-hydroxy-1-methyl-N-phenyl-1H-indole-3-carboxamide) (94) [V: R₁ =6-OH, R₂ =CONHPh, R₃ =Me]; mp 185°-187° C. (dec).

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ10.01, 9.43 (2H, 2s, OH and CONH), 7.76 (1H, d, J=7.9 Hz, H-4), 7.35 (2H, d, J=7.6 Hz, H-2',6'), 7.31 (1H, d, J=2.2 Hz, H-7), 7.10 (2H, dd, J=7.6, 7.4 Hz, H-3',5'), 6.95 (1H, t, J=7.4 Hz, H-4'), 6.71 (1H, dd, J=7.9, 2.2 Hz, H-5), 3.58 (3H, s, NCH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₃₂ H₂₆ N₄ O₄ S₂ requires: 595.1474.

Found: [M+H]⁺ 595.1483 (FABMS).

Compound 95 of Table 1

Similar demethylation/acetylation of 7-methoxy-1-methyl-2-oxindole [VII: R₁ =7-OMe, R₃ =Me] gave 7-acetoxy-1-methyl-2-oxindole [VII: R₁ =7-OAc, R₃ =Me] (68% yield); mp 95°-97° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ7.12 (1H, dd, J=7.1, 1.0 Hz, H-6), 7.01 (1H, dd, J=8.4, 7.1 Hz, H-5), 6.96 (1H, dd, J=8.4, 1.0 Hz, H-4), 3.54 (2H, s, H-3), 3.34 (3H, s, N-CH₃ ), 2.35 (3 H, s, OCOCH₃ ).

¹³ C NMR: δ174.88 (C-2), 169.57 (OCOCH₃), 136.11 (s), 134.24 (s), 126.73 (s), 123.02 (d), 122.60 (d), 122.18 (d), 35.68 (C-3), 28.17 (N-CH₃), 20.89 (OCOCH₃).

Analysis is calculated for C₁₁ H₁₁ NO₃ requires: C, 64.4; H, 5.4; N, 6.8%.

Found: C, 64.5; H, 5.5; N, 6.7%.

Reaction of this with P₂ S₅ as above gave 7-acetoxy-1-methyl-2-indolinethione [IX: R₁ =7-OAc, R₃ =Me] (85% yield); mp 133°-135° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ7.17 (1H, d, J=7.9 Hz, H-6), 7.14 (1H, dd, J=8.0, 7.9 Hz, H-5), 7.01 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, H-4), 4.13 (2H, s, H-3), 3.78 (3H, s, N -CH₃), 2.39 (3 H, s, OCOCH₃ ).

¹³ C NMR: δ202.00 (C-2), 169.22 (OCOCH₃), 137.53 (s), 134.33 (s), 131.42 (s), 124.78 (d), 123.23 (d), 121.69 (d), 49.20 (C-3), 33.67 (N-CH₃), 20.97 (OCOCH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₁₁ H₁₁ NO₂ S requires: C, 59.7; H, 5.0; N, 6.3; S, 14.5%.

Found: C, 59.4; H, 5.2; N, 6.2; S, 14.2%.

Reaction with phenyl isocyanate as above gave 2,2'-dithiobis[N-phenyl-7-acetoxy-1-methylindolyl-3-carboxamide] (95) [V: R₁ =7-OAc, R₂ =CONHPh, R₃ =Me]; mp 212°-214.5° C.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ10.28 (1H, br, CONH), 7.72 (1H, d, J=7.8 Hz, H-4), 7.44 (2H, d, J=7.8 Hz, H-2',6'), 7.23 (2H, dd, J=8.1, 7.8 Hz, H-3',5'), 7.11 (1H, dd, J=7.8, 7.7 Hz, H-5), 7.01 (2H, m, H-6, H-4'), 3.68 (3H, s, N-CH₃), 2.35 (3H, s, OCOCH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ169.49 (CONHPh), 161.36 (OCOCH₃), 138.75 (s), 135.92 (s), 129.43 (s), 128.80 (s), 128.43 (d), 128.0 (s), 123.13 (d), 121.21 (d), 119.35 (d), 118.50 (d), 118.16 (d), 31.84 (OCOCH₃), 20.68 (N-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₃₆ H₃₀ N₄ O₆ S₂.0.5H₂ O requires: C, 62.9; H, 4.5; N, 8.2; S, 9.3%.

Found: C, 62.9; H, 4.5; N, 7.8; S, 9.6%.

Compound 96 of Table 1

Reaction of 96 as above with NaBH₄ followed by 3N KOH gave, after reoxidation, 2,2'-dithiobis (N-phenyl-7-hydroxy-1-methylindole-3-carboxamide) (96) [V: R₁ =7-OH, R₂ =CONHPh, R₃ =Me] (81% yield); mp 207° C. (dec).

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ9.94, 9.63 (each 1H, 2s, CONH and ArOH), 7.33 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, H-2',6'), 7.23 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, H-4), 7.18 (2H, dd, J=8.0, 8.0 Hz, H-3',5'), 6.99 (1H, t, J=8.0 Hz, H-4'), 6.91 (1H, dd, J=8.0, 7.5 Hz, H-5), 6.65 (1H, d, J=7.5 Hz, H-6), 3.89 (3H, s, N-CH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ161.89 (CONH), 144.46 (s), 138.72 (s), 128.30 (d), 127.74 (s), 127.57 (s), 122.98 (d), 121.76 (d), 119.46 (d), 119.36 (s), 119.32 (s), 111.57 (d), 108.85 (d), 32.84 (N-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₃₂ H₂₆ N₄ O₄ S₂ requires: C, 64.3; H, 4.4; N, 9.4; S, 10.8%.

Found: C, 64.2; H, 4.4; N, 9.3; S, 10.9%.

Compound 97 of Table 1

Similarly was prepared, from 1-methyl-2-indolinethione and methyl isocyanate, bis[N-methyl 1-methylindolyl-3-carboxamide-(2)]disulfide [V: R₁ =H, R₂ =CONHMe, R₃ =Me] (97) (18% yield); mp 162°-165° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ8.07 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, H-4), 7.40-7.20 (3H, m, H-5, H-6, H-7), 6.31 (1H, br, CONH), 3.82 (3H, s, NCH₃), 2.13 (3H, d, J=5.0 Hz, CONHCH₃).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ173.29 (CONH), 128.34 (s), 125.28, 122.31, 122.02, 120.0 (s), 116.5 (s), 113.2 (s), 110.06, 30.26 (N-CH₃), 25.68 (CONHCH₃).

Alternate Preparation of Compound 97 of Table 1

A mixture of 20 g (136 mmol) of 1-methyl-2-indolinone and 250 mL of dichloroethane was sealed in a 500 mL stainless steel autoclave. The reactor was cooled to less than -10° C. and 60 g of phosgene was distilled into the vessel. The reactor was sealed and heated to 80° C. while rocking. After 1 hour, the reactor was cooled to room temperature, vented, and purged with nitrogen. The reactor was opened and the solution was rinsed out with fresh dichloromethane. The dichloroethane solution from the rinsed reactor was concentrated to a purple solid. The solid was dissolved into 300 mL of dichloromethane and the solution was cooled in an ice bath. Into the cold solution was bubbled anhydrated methylamine at a moderate rate over a 50-minute period. The mixture was washed with water (2×300 mL) and brine, dried (Na₂ SO₄), and concentrated to ca. 150 mL. The solution was purified by flash silica gel chromatography (7.5×13 cm bed) eluting with 1.6 L dichloromethane, 2 L 2%, then 2 L 5% acetone/dichloromethane, with 500 mL fractions collected. Impure early product fractions were combined, concentrated, and recrystallized from 40 mL ethanol/12 mL pet ether to give 3.04 g of 2-chloro-1-methylindole-3-N-methylcarboxamide [XXII: R₆ =H, R₇ =CH₃ ]; mp 148°-151° C. Pure product fractions were combined and concentrated to give 16.41 g of additional product as a pale yellow solid; mp 150°-151° C. Total yield=19.45 g (64%).

Reaction of 9.30 g (41.8 mmol) of the above carboxamide was carried out with 129.5 mmol of MeSLi in 36 mL of DMA. After heating at 60° C. for 7 hours, the clear amber solution was cooled in an ice bath and treated slowly with 150 mL of 5% aqueous HCl. The resultant suspension was diluted with ca. 150 mL of dichloromethane, and the mixture was stirred for 1 hour. The layers were separated, and the aqueous phase was extracted twice more. The combined organic extracts were washed with water (3×200 mL), then brine, dried MgSO₄, and concentrated to a residue that was pumped at 0.05 mm for 1 hour to leave 12.5 g of an orange solid. The solid was suspended into 100 mL of HOAc and 50 mL of water, and with vigorous stirring the suspension was treated with 12.85 g of sodium perborate. The thick suspension was stirred for ca. 30 minutes, then filtered using 10% methanol in water to aid in the transfer. The solids were washed well with water, then with ether, and air dried. Further drying at 200 mm/65° C./overnight over P₂ O₅ afforded 6.38 g (70%) of pure bis[N-methyl 1-methylindolyl-3-carboxamide-(2)] disulfide (97) [V: R₂ =CONHCH₃ ]; mp 186°-187° C.

Compound 98 of Table 1

Similarly was prepared, from 1-methyl-2-indolinethione and benzyl isocyanate, bis[N-benzyl 1-methylindolyl-3-carboxamide-(2)]disulfide [V: R₁ =H, R₂ -CONHCH₂ Ph, R₃ =Me] (98) (0.12 g, 22%); mp 145°-147° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ8.13 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz, H-4), 7.38 (1H, t, J=7.4 Hz, H-6), 7.31-7.20 (6H, m, H-5 and CH₂ Ph), 7.11 (1H, d, J=7.4 Hz, H-7), 6.60 (1H, br, CONH), 3.75 (2H, br, COCH₂ Ph), 3.64 (3H, s, N-CH₃).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ163.42 (CONH), 138.37 (s), 128.59, 128.54 (s), 127.63 (s), 127.52, 127.40 (s), 127.20, 126.40 (s), 125.39, 122.52, 122.32, 110.30 (C-7), 42.94 (CH₂ Ph), 30.24 (N-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₃₄ H₃₀ N₄ O₂ S₂ requires: C, 69.1; H, 5.2; N, 9.5; S, 10.8%.

Found: C, 68.6; H, 5.3; N, 9.5; S, 10.6%.

EXAMPLE E Preparation of Compounds 19 and 83 of Table 1 by the Method of Scheme 4

A mixture of 2-amino-3-methylpyridine (43.28 g, 0.4 mol) and benzotriazole (47.65 g, 0.4 mol) in EtOH (500 mL) was treated over 5 minutes with formaldehyde (32.2 g of 37% solution, 0.4 mol). The mixture was stirred at 20° C. overnight, then cooled and filtered to give 2-[(1-benzotriazolyl)methyl]-3-methyl pyridine (30 g, 31%). A sample was crystallized from EtOH; mp 175°-177° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ8.10 (1H, d, J=5 Hz, H-8), 8.10 and 8.00 (2H, 2d, J=8 Hz, H-4',7'), 7.45 and 7.33 (2H, 2t, J=8 Hz, H-5',6'), 7.25 (1H, d, J=7 Hz, H-4), 6.54 (1H, dd, J=7.5 Hz, H-5), 6.47 (2H, d, J=7 Hz, CH₂), 5.38 (1H, t, J=7 Hz, NH), 2.07 (3H, s, CH₃).

Crude 2-[(1-benzotriazolyl)methyl]-3-methylpyridine (30 g, 125 mmol) was suspended in dioxan (400 mL) and treated with NaBH4 (5 g, 130 mmol). The mixture was heated under reflux for 8 hours, then the majority of the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was partitioned between toluene and water, and the organic layer was washed successively with dilute NaOH solution and water, and dried. Removal of the solvent gave 2-methylamino-3-methylpyridine as an oil (12.8 g, 84% ).

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ8.04 (1H, d, J=5.1 Hz,H, H-6), 7.19 (1H, d, J=7.1 Hz, H-4), 6.50 (1H, dd, J=7.1, 5.1 Hz, 5-H), 4.15 (1H, m, NH), 3.03 (3H, d, J=4.5 Hz, CH₃ N), 2.06 (3H, s, CH₃).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ157.3 (C-2), 145.0 (C-8), 136.1 (C-4), 116.4 (C-3), 111.9 (C-5), 28.3 (CH₂) and 16.5 (CH₃).

A solution of the above pyridine (6.1 g, 50 mmol) in dry THF (150 mL) was cooled to -78 ° C. under dry N₂, and n-BuLi (19.6 mL of a 2.5M solution in hexanes, 50 mmol) was added dropwise, followed by t-BuLi (32 mL of a 1.7M in pentane, 55 mmol). The resulting mixture was allowed to warm to -20° C. and maintained at that temperature for 30 minutes before being recooled to -78° C. and treated with dry CO₂ gas until the mixture was decolorized. After warming to 20° C., the mixture was acidified with dilute HCl, and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in EtOH (100 mL) containing p-TsOH (100 mg), heated under reflux for 3 hours to effect ring closure, and neutralized with aqueous ammonia. Solvent was then removed, and the residue was worked up in EtOAc to give an oil, which was extracted with hot hexane, charcoaled, and filtered through celite. Concentration of the solution and cooled, gave 1-methyl-7-aza-2-indolinone (1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-2H-pyrrolo-(2,3 -bipyridin-2-one) [VII: R₁ =7-aza, R₃ =Me] (1.2 g, 15%); mp (hexane) 94°-96° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ8.15 (1H, d, J=5.3 Hz, H-8), 7.48 (1H, d, J=7.2 Hz, H-4), 8.94 (1H, dd, J=7.2, 5.3 Hz, H-5), 3.53 (2H, s, CH₂), 3.29 (3H, s, CH₃).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ174.1 (C-2), 158.1 (C-7a), 146.6 (C-8), 131.3 (C-4), 119.0 (C-3a), 117.8 (C-5), 34.6 (CH₂), 25.1 (CH₃).

P₂ S₅ (3.80 g, 8.10 mmol) was added to a vigorously stirred suspension of Na₂ CO₃ (0.88 g, 8.10 mmol) in THF (30 mL). After the mixture had become homogeneous (ca. 15 minutes), a solution of 1-methyl-7-aza-2-indolinone [VII: R₁ =7-aza, R₃ =Me] (1.00 g) in THF (10 mL) was added and stirring was continued for 18 hours at 20° C. Solvent was removed under reduced pressure, and the residue was partitioned between EtOAc and water. Workup of the organic layer, and chromatography of the residue on silica gel (elution with EtOAc/petroleum ether (1:5)) gave 1-methyl-7-aza-2-indolinethione [IX: R₁ =7-aza, R₃ =Me] (0.81 g, 73%); mp (EtOAc/petroleum ether) 130°-133° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ8.28 (1H, dd, J=5.2, 0.6 Hz, H-6), 7.57 (1H, dd, J=7.3, 0.6 Hz, H-4), 7.07 (1H, dd, J=7.3, 5.2 Hz, H-5), 4.06 (2H, s, H-3), 3.66 (3H, s, N-CH₃ ).

¹³ C NMR: δ201.70 (C-2), 159.21 (s), 147.22 (d), 131.39 (d), 123.20 (s), 119.34 (d), 46.98 (C-3), 30.02 (N-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₈ H₈ N₂ S requires: C, 58.5; H, 4.9; N, 17.1; S, 19.5%.

Found: C, 58.3; H, 4.9; N, 17.0; S, 19.8%.

A solution of the above thione (0.70 g, 4.26 mmol) in THF (5 mL) was added dropwise over 5 minutes under N₂ to an ice-cooled suspension of NaH (0.2 g of a 60% w/w dispersion in oil, 6.11 mmol). After gas evolution had ceased (5 minutes), phenyl isocyanate (0.47 mL, 4.25 mmol) was added, and stirring was continued for 1 hour at 20° C. Aqueous 1N HCl was then added, and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc. The organic layer was worked up, and the residue was chromatographed on silica gel. Elution with EtOAc/petroleum ether (1:1) and EtOAc gave foreruns, while elution with EtOAc/MeOH (10:1) gave N-phenyl (1-methyl-7-aza-2-thioxo-3-indolinyl)carboxamide (19) [IV: R₁ =7-aza, R₂ =CONHPh, R₃ =Me] as a fluorescent green solid (0.67 g, 55% yield); mp (after trituration with MeOH) 162°-164° C. (dec).

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ12.46 (1H, s, CONH), 8.68 (1H, dd, J=7.7, 1.0 Hz, H-6), 8.02 (1H, d, J=6.0 Hz, H-4), 7.72 (2H, d, J=8.4 Hz, ArH), 7.36-7.29 (4H, m, ArH), 7.01 (1H, t, J=7.3 Hz, ArH), 3.80 (3H, s, N-CH₃ ).

¹³ C NMR: δ66.96 (C-2), 163.59 (CONH), 140.77 (s), 139.81 (s), 129.29 (d), 128.85 (d), 127.21 (s), 126.84 (d), 122.16 (d), 118.65 (d), 115.92 (d), 48.57 (C-3), 29.18 (N-CH₃ ).

Analysis calculated for C₁₅ H₁₃ N₃ O₂ S.CH₃ OH requires: C, 60.9; H, 5.4; N, 13.3; S, 10.2%.

Found: C, 60.6; H, 5.4; N, 13.4; S, 10.3%.

A solution of sodium perborate (0.50 g, 5.00 mmol) in water (25 mL) was added to a vigorously stirred suspension of the above 7-aza compound (19) (0.50 g, 176 mmol) in glacial AcOH (50 mL). After 1 hour the solid was filtered off, washed sequentially with water and Et₂ O, and dried to give 2,2'-dithiobis [N-phenyl-1-methyl-7-azaindolyl-3-carboxamide] [V: R₁ =7-aza, R₂ =CONHPh, R₃ =Me] (83) (100%); mp 197°-198° C.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ9.49 (1H, s, CONH), 8.36 (1H, dd, J=4.5, 1.5 Hz, H-6), 8.14 (1H, dd, J=7.9, 1.5 Hz, H-4), 7.19 (1H, dd, J=7.9, 4.5 Hz, H-5), 7.16-7.09 (4H, m, ArH), 6.98 (1H, m, ArH), 3.75 (3H, s, N-CH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ160.42 (CONH), 147.58 (s), 145.99 (d), 138.29 (s), 129.86 (s), 129.62 (d), 128.25 (d), 123.05 (d), 119.23 (d), 118.09 (s), 117.76 (d), 117.57 (s), 28.61 (N-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₃₀ H₂₄ N₆ O₂ S₂.2.5H₂ O requires: C, 59.1; H, 4.8; N, 13.8; S, 10.5%.

Found: C, 59.1; H, 4.2; N, 13.8; S, 10.5%.

EXAMPLE F Preparation of Compound 99 of Table 1 by the Method Outlined in Scheme 5

A solution of 2-[(4-methylphenylsulfonyl)methyl]-aniline [XII: R₁ =H, R₂ =Me, X=4-methylphenyl] (Le Corre M, Hercouet A, Le Stanc Y, Le Baron H, Tetrahedron 1985;22:5313) in dry THF (60 mL), under N₂, was cooled to -78° C. and n-butyllithium (9.6 mL, 2.5M solution in hexanes) was added dropwise. The mixture was allowed to warm to -10° C. to give a deep red colored solution which was recooled to -78° C. after 30 minutes. CS₂ (3 mL, 5 mmol) was added rapidly, and the mixture was allowed to warm slowly to 20° C. The solvent was removed under vacuum and the residue was diluted with water, and acidified with 2M HCl. After stirring at 20° C. for 3 hours, the solution was extracted with EtOAc and dried (Na₂ SO₄). The solvent was removed, and chromatography of the residue on SiO₂ (CH₂ Cl/EtOAc, 9:1) gave bis[3-(4-methylphenylsulfonyl)-2-indolyl]disulfide [XIII: R₁ =H, R₂ -Me, X=4-methylphenyl] (99) (0.2 g, 7% yield); mp (benzene) 230°-233° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ8.06 (1H, m, NH), 7.91 (3H, m, H-4, H-2, and H-4'), 7.45 (1H, m, H-6), 7.21 (4H, m, H-5, H-7, H-3', and H-5'), 2.33 (3H, s, CH₃).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ144.1, 140.0, 136.6, 134.0, 129.9 (CH), 126.4 (CH), 125.4, 124.5 (CH), 122.8 (CH), 119.1 (CH), 115.1, 112.2 (CH), and 21.5 (CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₃₀ H₂₄ N₂ O₄ S₄.0.2 (C₆ H₆) requires: C, 60.4; H, 4.1; N, 5.5; S, 20.7%.

Found: C, 60.7; H, 4.4; N, 4.9; S, 21.1%.

EXAMPLE G Preparation of Compounds 24 and 100 of Table 1 by the Method Outlined in Scheme 6

A stirred solution of benzoyl chloride (from benzoic acid, 0.45 g, 3.68 mmol) in Me₂ CO (20 mL) was treated dropwise at 0° C. with a solution of NaN₃ (0.26 g, 3.98 mmol) in water (2 mL). After 15 minutes the solution was partitioned between water and benzene, and the organic layer was washed well with NaHCO₃ and worked up to give crude phenacyl azide, which was used directly.

A solution of 1-methyl-2-indolinethione (0.50 g, 3.06 mmol) in dry THF (3 mL) was added dropwise at 20° C. under N₂ to a stirred suspension of NaH (0.13 g of a 60% w/w suspension in mineral oil, 3.37 mmol) in THF (2 mL). After gas evolution had ceased (5 minutes), a solution of the above phenacyl azide in THF (2 mL) was added dropwise, and the mixture was stirred at 20° C. for 1 hour, then poured into 6N HCl and extracted with EtOAc. The residue from the organic layer was chromatographed on silica gel. Elution with CH₂ Cl₂ /petroleum ether (3:7) gave foreruns, and elution with CHlCl₂ /petroleum ether (2:3) gave 3-benzoyl-1-methyl-2-indolinethione [XV: R₁ =H, R₃ =Me, R₅ =C6H5] (24) (0.31 g, 38%); mp (trituration from MeOH) 132°-134° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ15.83 (1H, s, SH), 7.68-7.53 (5H, m, COPh), 7.21 (1H, dd, J=8.1,7.3 Hz, H-5), 7.11 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz, H-4), 6.90 (1H, dd, J=8.0, 7.3 Hz, H-6), 6.76 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, H-7), 3.74 (3H, s, NCH₃).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ181.71 (COPh), 175.09 (C-2), 141.42 (s), 134.87 (s), 131.29, 128.85, 128.37, 125.64 (4xd), 125.22 (s), 122.81, 120.31 (2xd), 111.77 (s), 109.129 (d), 29.57 (NCH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₁₆ H₁₃ NOS requires: C, 71.9; H, 4.9; N, 5.2; S, 12.0%.

Found: C; 71.6; H, 5.1; N, 6.2; S, 13.9%.

A solution of 24 (0.10 g, 0.37 mmol) in CH₂ Cl₂ (20 mL) was treated dropwise at 20° C. with a solution of I₂ (0.50 g) in CH₂ Cl₂ (5 mL), until TLC indicated complete conversion (ca. 2 hours). The solution was concentrated to ca. 1 mL and chromatographed directly on silica gel. Elution with CHICl₂ gave traces of I₂ and starting material, and further elution with CH₂ Cl₂ /MeOH (19:1) gave bis[3-benzoyl-1-methylindole-(2)]disulfide [XVI: R₁ =H, R₃ =Me, R₅ =C₆ H₅ ] (100) (0.06 g, 61%); mp (CHCl₃ /petroleum ether) 199°-202° C.

¹ H NMR (CD₃ SOCD₃): δ7.56 (1H, d, J=8.4 Hz, H-4), 7.50 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz, H-7), 7.46 (dd, J=8.1, 7.4 Hz, H-6), 7.35 (1H, dd, J=8.4, 7.4 Hz, H-5), 7.19 (3H, m, H-2',4',6'), 6.92 (2H, d, J=7.1 Hz, H-3',5'), 3.48 (3H, s, NCH₃).

¹³ C NMR (CD₃ SOCD₃): δ190.20 (COPh), 140.05, 138.03, 132.75 (3xs), 131.60, 128.48, 127.88 (3xd), 126.00 (s), 124,78, 122.27 (2xd), 122.03 (s), 121.03, 111.20 (2xd), 30.37 (NCH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₃₂ H₂₄ N₂ O₂ S₂ requires: C, 69.8; H, 4.8; N, 5.1; S, 11.6%.

Found: C, 70.3; H, 4.7; N, 5.2; S, 11.3%.

Compounds 25, 26, 101, and 102 of Table 1

Similar treatment of 1-methyl-2-indolinethione with 4-carbomethoxybenzoyl azide gave 3-(4'-carbomethoxybenzoyl) -1-methyl-2-indolinethione [XV: R₁ =H, R₃ =Me, R₅ =4-MeOOCC₆ H₄ ] (26) (68%); mp 164°-166° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ15.85 (1H, s, SH), 8.23 (2H, d, J=8.3 Hz, H-3',5'), 7.76 (2H, d, J=8.3 Hz, H-2',6'), 7.23 (1H, dd, J=8.0, 7.6 Hz, H-5'), 7.12 (1H, d, J=7.6 Hz, H-4), 6.90 (1H, dd, J=8.0, 7.9 Hz, H-6), 6.69 (1H, d, J=7.9 Hz, H-7), 3.99 (3H, s, COOCH₃ ), 3.74 (3 H, s, NCH₃ ).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ182.07 (COAr), 173.27 (C-2), 166.31 (COOCH₃), 141.59, 138.92, 132.51 (3xs), 130.11, 128.54, 126.04 (3xd), 124.76 (s), 123.00, 120.26 (2xd), 119.95 (s), 109.28 (d), 52.50 (COOCH₃), 29.61 (NCH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₁₈ H₁₅ NO₃ S requires: C, 66.4; H, 4.7; N, 4.3; S, 9.8%.

Found: C, 66.5; H, 4.7; N, 4.6; S, 9.8%.

Oxidation of 26 with I₂ /CH₂ Cl₂ as above gave bis[3-(4'-carbomethoxybenzoyl)-1-methylindole-(2)]disulfide [XVI: R₁ =H, R₃ =Me, R₅ =4-MeOOCC₆ H₄ ] (102); mp (CHCl₃ /petroleum ether) 200°-203° C.

¹ H NMR (CD₃ SOCD₃): δ7.74 (2H, d, J=8.4 Hz, H-3',5'), 7.67 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, H-4), 7.64 (1H, d, J=8.4 Hz, H-7), 7.44 (1H, dd, J=8.4, 8.0 Hz, H-6), 7.27 (1H, dd, J=8.0, 8.0 Hz, H-5), 6.99 (2H, d, J=8.4 Hz, H-2',6'), 3.91 (3H, s, COOCH₃), 3.51 (3H, s, NCH₃).

¹³ C NMR (CD₃ SOCD₃): δ189.31 (COAr), 165.56 (COOCH₃), 143.77, 137.98, 133.31, 131.61 (4xs), 128.50, 128.33 (2xd), 125.87 (s), 124.99, 122.62 (2xd), 121.27 (s), 121.09, 111.22 (2xd), 52.34 (COOCH₃), 30.33 (NCH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₃₆ H₂₈ N₂ O₆ S₂ requires: C, 66.6; H, 4.4; N, 4.3; S, 9.9%.

Found: C, 66.2; H, 4.8; N, 4.4; S, 9.9%.

A suspension of 26 (0.1 g, 0.31 mmol) in MeOH (5 mL) containing 3N NaOH (2 mL) was stirred at 20° C. for 3 hours, then concentrated to dryness. The residue was dissolved in water and acidified (concentrated HCl) to give 3-(4'-carboxybenzoyl)-1-methyl-2-indolinethione [XV: R₁ =H, R₃ -Me, R₅ =4-HOOCC₆ H₄ ] (25) (100%); mp 282° C. (dec).

¹ H NMR (CD₃ SOCD₃ /CD₃ COCD₃): δ15.90 (0.3H, br, SH), 13.00 (1H, br s, COOH), 8.26 (2H, d, J=8.2 Hz, H-3',5'), 8.10 (0.6H, s, SH), 7.85 (2H, d, J=8.2 Hz, H-2',6'), 7.40 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, H-4), 7.29 (1H, dd, J=8.0, 8.0 Hz, H-5), 6.98 (1H, dd, J=8.0, 7.5 Hz, H-6), 6.68 (1H, d, J=7.5 Hz, H-7), 3.77 (3H, s, NCH₃).

¹³ C NMR CD₃ SOCD₃ /CD₃ COCD₃): δ167.57, 167.50 (COAr and COOH), 142.40, 135.64, 134.55 (3xs), 130.86, 130.18, 129.13, 126.93 (4xd), 125.17 (s), 123.81, 120.68 (2xd), 112.39 (s), 110.82 (d), 29.94 (NCH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₁₇ H₁₃ NSO₃.H₂ O requires: C, 64.6; H, 4.3; N, 4.4; S, 10.1%.

Found: C, 64.6; H, 4.4; N, 4.0; S, 9.6%.

Similar hydrolysis of 102 gave bis[3-(4'-carboxybenzoyl)-1-methylindole-(2)]disulfide [XVI: R₁ =H, R₃ =Me, R₅ =4-HOOCC₆ H₄ ] (101); mp (CHCl₃ /petroleum ether) 241°-246° C.

¹ H NMR (CD₃ SOCD₃): δ12.62 (1H, br, COOH), 7.89 (3H, m, H-4 and H-3',5'), 7.74 (1H, d, J=8.5 Hz, H-7), 7.58 (3H, m, H-6 and H-2',6'), 7.36 (1H, m, H-5), 3.66 (3H, s, NCH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₃₄ H₂₄ N₂ O₆ S₂.0.5.H₂ O requires: C, 63.1; H, 4.2%.

Found: C, 63.1; H, 5.3 %.

EXAMPLE H Preparation of Compounds 104 and 105 of Table 1 by the Method Outlined in Scheme 7

A solution of monomethyl terephthalate [XVII: 4-COOMe] (1.32 9, 7.33 mmol) and DMF (1 drop) in SOCl₂ (30 mL) was heated under reflux for 45 minutes, before concentration to dryness under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in benzene and evaporated to dryness again. The crude acid chloride was dissolved in dry Me₂ CO (20 mL), cooled to 0° C., and treated with a solution of NaN₃ (0.52 g, 8.00 mmol) in water (3 mL). After 20 minutes the solution was diluted with water, extracted with CH₂ Cl₂, and worked up to give the crude acyl azide [XVIII: 4-COOMe], which was immediately dissolved in dry toluene (25 mL) and heated under reflux under N₂ for 2 hours. Concentration to dryness under reduced pressure afforded the isocyanate [XIX: 4-COOMe] which was used directly.

A solution of 1-methyl-2-indolinethione [IV: R₁, R₂ =H, R₃ =CH₃ ] (1.00 g, 6.13 mmol) in THF (2 mL) was added under N₂ to a suspension of NaH (0.26 g of 60% w/w dispersion in mineral oil, 6.50 mmol) in THF (15 mL). After gas evolution had ceased (5 minutes), a solution of the above crude isocyanate in THF (10 mL) was added, and the solution was stirred at 20° C. for a further 1 hour. The mixture was acidified with 3N HCl, extracted with EtOAc and worked up to give an oily solid. Chromatography on silica gel, eluting with EtOAc, afforded a greenish solid. This was dissolved in MeOH and treated with 30% H₂ O₂ (0.20 mL), and the resulting yellow precipitate was filtered off and washed well with MeOH to give 2,2'-dithiobis [N-(4'-carbomethoxy)phenyl-1-methylindolyl-3-carboxamide] (104) [XX: R=4-COOMe] (0.74 g, 35%); mp 184°-186° C.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ9.87 (11{, br, CONH), 7.80 (11{, d, J=8.0 Hz, H-4), 7.74 (2H, d, J=8.7 Hz, H-2',6'), 7.37 (1H, d, J=8.3 Hz, 1{-7), 7.32 (2H, d, J=8.7 Hz, H-3',5'), 7.26 (1H, dd, J=8.3, 7.6 Hz, H-6), 7.15 (1H, dd, J=8.0, 7.6 Hz, H-5), 3.84 (3H, s, CO₂ CH₃), 3.66 (3H, s, N-CH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ165.79 (COOCH₃), 161.56 (CONH), 143.01 (s), 137.68 (s), 129.79 (d), 125.41 (s), 124.35 (d), 123.37 (s), 121.40 (d), 120.82 (d), 119.90 (s), 118.33 (d), 117.93 (s), 110.74 (d), 51.74 (COOCH₃), 30.04 (N-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₃₆ H₃₀ N₄ O₆ S₂.H₂ O requires: C, 62.1; H, 4.6; N, 8,1; S, 9.2%.

Found: C, 62.2; H, 4.6; N, 8.0; S, 9.2%.

A suspension of (104) (0.23 g, 0.34 mmol) in MeOH (40 mL) was treated with 3N KOH (15 mL) and stirred at 20° C. for 90 minutes. The resulting solution was filtered, acidified, and the resulting precipitate collected and re-dissolved in CH₂ Cl₂ (10 mL) containing MeOH (1 mL). H₂ O₂ (0.20 mL of 30%) was added, and after 1 hour the solvents were removed under reduced pressure. The residue was triturated with MeOH to give 2,2'-dithiobis [N-(4'-carboxy) phenyl-1-methylindolyl-3-carboxamide] (105) [XX: R=4-COOH] (100% yield); mp 221° C. (dec).

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ12.63 (11{, br, C00H), 9.78 s, CONH), 7.80 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, H-4), 7.72 (2H, d, J=8.7 Hz, H-3',5'), 7.39 (1H, d, J=8.4 Hz, H-7), 7.30 (2H, d, J=8.7 Hz, H-2',6'), 7.28 (t, J=8.4, 7.7 Hz, H-6), 7.16 (1H, t, J=8.0, 7.7 Hz, H-5), 3.66 (3H, s, N-CH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ166.95 (COOH), 161.58 (CONH), 142.67 (s), 137.78 (s), 129.99 (d), 129.81 (s), 125.41 (s), 124.72 (s), 124.54 (d), 121.50 (d), 120.93 (d), 118.39 (d), 110.89 (d), 30.12 (N-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₃₄ H₂₆ N₄ O₆ S₂.0.5H₂ O requires: C, 61.9; H, 4.1; N, 8.5; S, 9.7%.

Found: C, 61.6; H, 4.2; N, 8.4; S, 9.9%.

Compounds 106 and 107 of Table 1

Similar treatment of 1-methyl-2-indolinethione [IV: R₁, R₂ =H, R₃ =CH₃ ] with the isocyanate [XIX: 3-COOMe] derived from monomethyl isophthalate gave 2,2'-dithiobis [N-(3'-carbomethoxy)phenyl-1-methylindolyl-3-carboxamide] (106) [XX: R=3-COOMe] (57% yield); mp 193°-195° C.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ9.67 (1H, s, CONH), 7.96 (1H, br s, H-2'), 7.79 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, H-4), 7.56 (1H, d, J=7.7 Hz, H-6'), 7.45 (1H, d, J=8.2 Hz, H-7), 7.34 (1H, d, J=8.3 Hz, H-4'), 7.28 (1H, dd, J=8.3, 7.7 Hz, H-5'), 7.21 (1H, dd, J=8.2, 7.7 Hz, H-6), 7.10 (1H, dd, J=8.0, 7.7 Hz, H-5), 3.88 (3H, s, COOCH₃ ), 3.66 (3 H, s, N -CH₃ ).

¹³ C NMR: δ166.04 (COOCH₃), 161.48 (CONH), 138.89 (s), 137.63 (s), 129.77 (s), 129.54 (s), 128.62 (d), 125.21 (s), 124.39 (d), 123.51 (s), 121.28 (d), 120.83 (d), 119.50 (d), 118.31 (s), 110.64 (d), 51.99 (COOCH₃), 30.02 (N-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₃₆ H₃₀ N₄ O₆ S₂ requires: C, 63.7; H, 4.5; N, 8.3; S, 9.5%.

Found: C, 63.9; H, 4.6; N, 8.4; S, 9.6%.

Hydrolysis of the ester (106) as above, followed by re-oxidation with H₂ O₂ /MeOH, gave 2,2'-dithiobis[N-(3-carboxy) phenyl-1-methylindolyl-3-carboxamide] (107) [XX: R=3-COOH] (97% yield); mp 219°-220° C.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ12.68 (1H, br, COOH), 9.69 (1H, s, CONH), 7.98 (1H, br s, H-2'), 7.80 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, H-4), 7.56 (1H, d, J=7.7 Hz, H-6'), 7.43 (1H, d, J=8.2 Hz, H-7), 7.36 (1H, d, J=8.3, 7.7 Hz, H-4'), 7.24 (2H, m, H-5',6), 7.11 (1H, t, J=8.0, 7.7 Hz, H-5), 3.66 (3H, s, N-CH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ167.10 (COOH), 161.53 (CONH), 138.77 (s), 137.62 (s), 130.92 (s), 129.47 (s), 128.44 (d), 125.18 (s), 124.45 (d), 123.75 (d), 123.31 (d), 121.32 (d), 120.81 (d), 119.91 (d), 118.51 (s), 110.67 (d), 30.01 (N-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₃₄ H₂₆ N₄ O₆ S₂.0.5H₂ O requires: C, 61.9; H, 4.1; N, 8.5; S, 9.7%.

Found: C, 61.7; H, 4.3; N, 8.8; S, 9.7%.

Compounds 108 & 109 of Table 1

Similar treatment of 1-methyl-2 -indolinethione [IV: R₁, R₂ =H, R₃ =CH₃ ] with the isocyanate [XIX: 2-COOMe] derived from monomethyl phthalate gave 2,2'-dithiobis [N-(2-carbomethoxy) phenyl-1-methylindolyl -3-carboxamide] (108) [XX: R=2-COOMe] (61% yield); mp 179°-181° C.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ10.82 (1H, s, CONH), 7.89 (2H, 2xd, J=8.3, 8.0 Hz, H-3',6'), 7.74 (1H, d, J=8.3 Hz, H-4), 7.32 (2H, m, H-7,4'), 7.20 (1H, dd, J=8.1, 7.5 Hz, H-6), 7.12 (1H, dd, J=8.3, 7.5 Hz, H-5), 6.97 (1H, m, H-5'), 3.84 (3H, s, COOCH₃), 3.68 (3H, s, N-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₃₆ H₃₀ N₄ O₆ S₂.0.5H₂ O requires: C, 62.9; H, 4.5; N, 8.2; S, 9.3%.

Found: C, 62.8; H, 4.5; N, 8.1; S, 9.3%.

Hydrolysis of the ester (108) as above, followed by re-oxidation with H₂ O₂ /MeOH, gave 2,2'-dithiobis[N-(2'-carboxy) phenyl-1-methylindolyl-3-carboxamide] (109) [XX: R=2-COOH] (91% yield); mp 184°-186° C.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ13.33 (1H, br, COOH), 11.31 (1H, s, CONH), 7.95 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz, H-6'), 7.90 (1H, d, J=7.9 Hz, H-3'), 7.83 (1H, d, J=8.3 Hz, H-4), 7.30 (2H, m, H-7,4'), 7.19 (1H, dd, J=8.0, 7.5 Hz, H-6), 7.08 (1H, dd, J=8.3, 7.5 Hz, H-5), 7.02 (1H, dd, J=8.1, 7.8 Hz, H-5'), 3.67 (3H, s, N-CH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ169.16 (COOH), 160.71 (CONH), 140.55 (s), 137.78 (s), 133.31 (d), 130.50 (d), 129.30 (s), 125.01 (s), 124.50 (d), 121.79 (d), 121.47 (d), 121.05 (d), 120.28 (d), 118.21 (s), 115.91 (s), 110.68 (d), 29.93 (N-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₃₄ H₂₆ N₄ O₆ S₂.2H₂ O requires: C, 59.5; H, 4.4; N, 8.2; S, 9.3%.

Found: C, 59.3; H, 4.3; N, 8.3; S, 9.6%.

Compound 110 of Table 1

Similar treatment of 1-methyl-2-indolinethione [IV: R₁, R₂ =H, R₃ =CH₃ ] with the isocyanate derived from 4-(carbomethoxy)phenylacetic acid gave 2,2'-dithiobis [N-(4'-carbomethoxy)benzyl 1-methylindolyl-3-carboxamide] (110) [V: R₁ =H, R₂ =CONHCH₂ Ph{4-COOMe}, R₃ =Me] (38% yield); mp 178°-180° C.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ8.18 (1H, br, CONH), 7.88 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz, H-4), 7.82 (2H, d, J=7.9 Hz, C-2',6'), 7.55 (1H, d, J=8.3 Hz, H-7), 7.35 (1H, dd, J=8.3, 7.7 Hz, H-6), 7.28 (2H, d, J=7.9 Hz, C-3',5'), 7.20 (1H, dd, J=8.1, 7.7 Hz, H-5), 4.06 (2H, d, J=5.1 Hz, CONHCH₂), 3.83 (3H, s, COOCH₃), 3.61 (3H, s, N-CH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ165.98 (COOCH₃), 163.17 (CONH), 145.10 (s), 137.61 (s), 129.06 (d), 129.00 (s), 127.85 (s), 126.95 (d), 125.37 (s), 124.31 (d), 121.22 (d), 121.09 (d), 117.89 (s), 110.78 (d), 51.89 (COOCH₃), 41.90 (CH₂ Ar), 29.94 (N-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₃₈ H₃₄ N₄ O₆ S₂.0.5H₂ O requires: C, 63.8; H, 4.9; N, 7.8; S, 8.9%.

Found: C, 63.7; H, 4.8; N, 7.8; S, 9.1%.

EXAMPLE I Preparation of Compound 111 of Table 1 by the Method Outlined in Scheme 8

A solution of 2-chloro-1-methylindole-3-carboxylic acid [XXI] (Marchetti L, Andreani A, Ann. Chim. (Rome) 1973;63:681) (0.95 g, 4.52 mmol) and SOCl₂ (0.99 mL, 13 mmol) in 1,2-dichloroethane (100 mL) containing DMF (1 drop) was heated under reflux under N₂ for 2 hours, then concentrated to dryness. The residue was dissolved in CH₂ Cl₂ (50 mL) and treated with a slurry of methyl 4-(aminomethyl) benzoate hydrochloride (Nair M. G., Baugh C. M., J. Org. Chem. 1973;38:2185) (1.00 g, 4.98 mmol) and Et₃ N (1.58 mL, 11 mmol) in CH₂ Cl₂ (50 mL). After vigorous stirring at 20° C. for 24 hours, the mixture was washed with water and the organic portion worked up to give N-(4'-carbomethoxy)benzyl 2-chloro-1-methylindole-3-carboxamide [XXII: R₆ =H, R₇ =CH₂ Ph{ 4-COOMe}] (1.40 g, 86%) which crystallized from aqueous acetone; mp 108°-110° C. ¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ8.38 (1H, t, J=5.8 Hz, CONHCH₂), 7.95 (2H, d, J=7.9 Hz, H-2',6'), 7.91 (1H, d, J=7.8 Hz, H-4), 7.56 (1H, d, J=7.9 Hz, H-7), 7.52 (2H, d, J=7.9 Hz, H-3',5'), 7.29 (1H, dd, J=79, 7.1 Hz, H-6), 7.19 (1H, dd, J=7.8, 7.1 Hz, H-5), 4.60 (2H, d, J=5.8 Hz, CONHCH₂ ), 3.84 (3H, s, COOCH₃ ), 3.79 (3H, s, N-CH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ166.09 (COOCH₃), 162.77 (CONH), 145.65 (s), 135.00 (s), 129.18 (d), 129.14 (d), 127.94 (s), 127.34 (d), 127.25 (d), 126.34 (s), 124.77 (s), 122.57 (d), 121.19 (d), 119.97 (d), 110.21 (s), 107.11 (d), 51.95 (COOCH₃), 42.15 (CH₂), 29.97 (N-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₁₉ H₁₇ ClN₂ O₃ requires: C, 64.0; H, 4.8; N, 7.9; C1, 9.9%.

Found: C, 64.0; H, 4.8; N, 7.6; C1, 9.8%.

A solution of the above carboxamide (1.00 g, 2.80 mmol) in DMA (10 mL) was added under N₂ to a stirred suspension of MeSLi (1.06 g, 19 mmol) in DMA (25 mL). After warming at 80° C. for 6 hours, the mixture was acidified with 3N HCl, extracted with CH₂ Cl₂, and worked up to give a yellow oil. Traces of DMA were removed under high vacuum, and the residue was dissolved in MeOH (20 mL) and treated dropwise with H₂ O₂ (0.60 mL of 30% solution). After chilling at -30° C. overnight, the precipitate was filtered off, washed well with MeOH, and dried to give 2,2'-dithiobis[N-(4'-carboxy)benzyl 1-methylindol-3-carboxamide] (111) [V: R₁ =H, R₂ =CONHCH₂ Ph{4-COOH}, R₃ =Me] (0.68 g, 72%); mp 178°-180° C.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ12.86 (1H, br, COOH), 8.13 (1H, t, J=5.8 Hz, CONHCH₂), 7.92-7.80 (3H, m, H-4, 2',6'), 7.56 (1H, d, J=8.3 Hz, H-7), 7.37 (1H, t, J=8.3, 7.8 Hz, H-6), 7.27 (2H, d, J=8.3 Hz, H-3',5'), 7.20 (1H, dd, J=8.1, 7.8 Hz, H-5), 4.02 (2H, d, J=5.8 Hz, CONHCH₂), 3.62 (3H, s, N-CH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ167.08 (COOH), 163.08 (CONH), 144.51 (s), 137.64 (s), 130.35 (s), 129.25 (d), 129.04 (s), 126.85 (d), 125.25 (s), 124.44 (d), 121.23 (d), 121.10 (d), 118.33 (s), 110.87 (d), 41.92 (CH₂), 29.94 (N-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₃₆ H₃₀ N₄ O₆ S2.1.5H₂ O requires: C, 61.3; H, 4.7; N, 7.9; S, 9.1%.

Found: C, 61.1; H, 4.8; N, 8.3; S, 9.0%.

Compound 112 of Table 1

Similar reaction of 2-chloro-1-methylindole-3-carboxylic acid [XXI] with SOCl₂ and glycine methyl ester hydrochloride gave N-carbomethoxymethyl 2-chloro-1-methylindole-3-carboxamide [XXII: R₆ =H, R₇ =CH₂ COOMe] (78% yield); mp (CHCl₃ /light petroleum) 102.5°-104° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ8.26 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz, H-4), 7.30-7.23 (3H, m, H-5,6,7), 6.96 (1H, br, CONH), 4.32 (2H, d, J=5.0 Hz, CH₂ NHCO), 3.81 (3H, s, COOCH₃), 3.75 (3H, s, N-CH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ170.91 (COOCH₃), 163.48 (CONH), 135.45 (s), 126.90 (s), 125.93 (s), 123.24 (d), 122.25 (d), 121.30 (d), 109.26 (d), 106.32 (s), 52.41 (COOCH₃), 41.38 (CH₂ COOMe ), 30.11 (N -CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₁₃ H₁₃ ClN₂ O₃ requires: C, 55.6; H, 4.7; N, 10.0%.

Found: C, 55.3; H, 4.8; N, 10.2%.

Treatment of this with MeSLi as above gave 2,2'-dithiobis[N-carboxymethyl1-methylindolyl-3-carboxamide] (112) [V: R₁ =H, R₂ =CONHCH₂ COOH, R₃ =Me] (56% yield); mp 197° C. (dec).

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ7.98 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz, H-4), 7.59 (1H, br, CONH), 7.55 (1H, d, J=8.4 Hz, H-7), 7.35 (1H, dd, J=8.4, 7.5 Hz, H-6), 7.20 (1H, dd, J=8.1, 7.5 Hz, H-5), 3.68 (3H, S, N-CH₃), 3.20 (2H, d, J=5.2 Hz, CH₂ COOH).

¹³ C NMR: δ171.02 (COOH), 162.57 (CONH), 137.60 (s), 125.36 (s), 124.30 (d), 121.27 (d), 121.11 (d), 117.69 (s), 110.65 (d), 40.35 (CH₂), 29.87 (N-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₂₄ H₂₂ N₄ O₆ S₂.H₂ O requires: C, 52.9; H, 4.4; N, 10.3; S, 11.8%.

Found: C, 52.5; H, 4.5; N, 10.0; S, 11.2%.

Compound 113 of Table 1

Similar reaction of 2-chloro-1-methylindole-3-carboxylic acid [XXI] with SOCl₂ and N-methylaniline gave N-methyl-N-phenyl 2-chloro-1-methylindole-3-carboxamide [XXII: R₆ =Me; R₇ =Ph] (67% yield); mp (Me₂ CO/water) 163° C.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ7.47 (1H, d, J=7.6 Hz, H-4), 7.41 (1H, d, J=8.3 Hz, H-7), 7.22-7.00 (7H, m, ArH), 3.63 (3H, s, N-CH₃), 3.42 (3H, s, N-CH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ164.33 (CONMePh), 143.88 (s), 134.69 (s), 128.50 (d), 125.90 (d), 125.70 (d), 124.86 (s), 124.21 (s), 122.24 (d), 120.71 (d), 118.94 (d), 110.06 (d), 108.80(s), 37.40 (N-CH₃), 29.77 (N-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₁₇ H₁₅ ClN₂ O requires: C, 68.3; H, 5.1; N, 9.4; C1, 11.9%.

Found: C, 68.4; H, 5.1; N, 9.3; C1, 12.1%.

Treatment of this with MeSLi as above gave 2,2 '-dithiobis [N-methyl-N-phenyl-1-methylindolyl-3-carboxamide] (113) [V: R₁ =H, R₂ =CON(Me)Ph, R₃ =Me] (53% yield), mp 158°-163° C.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ7.80 (1H, d, J=7.5 Hz, H-4), 7.57 (1H, d, J=7.8 Hz, H-7), 7.33-6.99 (7H, m, ArH), 3.86 (3H, s, N-CH₃), 3.33 (3H, s, N-CH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ164.14 (CONMePh), 137.59 (s), 129.94 (s), 124.21 (s), 123.73 (s), 123.24 (d), 122.34 (d), 120.25 (d), 119.56 (d), 118.79 (d), 115.43 (s), 110.27 (d), 39.68 (N-CH₃), 30.99 (N-CH₃)

Analysis calculated for C₃₄ H₃₁ N₄ S₂ O₂ requires: [M+H]⁺ 591.3447.

Found: [M+H]⁺ 591.3441 (FAB mass spectrum).

Analysis calculated for C₃₄ H₃₀ N₄ S₂ O₂ requires: C, 69.1; H, 5.1; N, 9.5; S, 10.9%.

Found: C, 69.2; H, 5.2; N, 9.6; S, 10.6%.

Compound 114 of Table 1

Similar reaction of 2-chloro-1-methylindole-3-carboxylic acid [XXI] with SOCl₂ and 3-aminopropane-1,2-diol gave N-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-2-chloro-1-methylindole-3-carboxamide [XXII: R₆ =H;, R₇ =CH₂ CH(OH)CH₂ OH] (46%) as an oil.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO/D₂ O): δ7.94 (1H, d, J=7.0 Hz, H-4), 7.53 (1H, d, J=7.2 Hz, H-7), 7.38-7.19 (2H, m, H-5,6), 3.78 (3H, s, N-CH₃), 3.68-3.26 (5H, m, CH₂ CHOHCH₂ OH).

¹³ C NMR: δ162.72 (CONH), 134.94 (s), 125.94 (s), 124.79 (s), 122.52 (d), 121.15 (d), 120.05 (d), 110.17 (d), 107.09 (d), 70.17 (CHOH), 63.90 (CH₂₀ H), 42.34 (CONHCH₂), 29.97 (N-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₁₃ H₁₅ ClN₂ O₃ requires: M⁺ 284.0742, 282.0771.

Found: M⁺ 284.0744, 282.0763 (mass spectrum).

Treatment of this with MeSLi as above gave 2,2'-dithiobis [N-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-1-methylindolyl -3-carboxamide] (114) [V: R₁ =H, R₂ =CONHCH₂ CH(OH)CH₂ OH, R₃ =Me] (71% yield) as a yellow foam; mp 198° C. (dec).

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO/D₂ O): δ7.89 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz, H-4), 7.56 (1H, d, J=8.4 Hz, H-7), 7.42 (1H, dd, J=8.4, 7.3 Hz, H-6), 7.27 (1H, dd, J=8.1, 7.3 Hz, H-5), 3.75 (3H, s, N-CH₃), 3.40-3.20 (5H, m, CH₂ CHOHCH₂ OH).

¹³ C NMR: δ162.61 (CONH), 137.70 (s), 125.21 (s), 124.40 (d), 121.34 (d), 121.27 (d), 120.81 (s), 117.85 (s), 110.88 (d), 70.17 (CHOH), 63.75 (CH₂₀ H), 41.96 (CONHCH₂ ), 29.95 (N -CH₃ ).

Analysis calculated for C₂₆ H₃₀ N₄ O₆ S₂ requires: C, 55.9; H, 5.4; N, 10.0; S, 11.5%.

Found: C, 55.4; H, 5.4; N, 9.7; S, 11.5%.

Compound 115 of Table 1

Similar reaction of 2-chloro-1-methylindole-3-carboxylic acid [XXI] with SOCl₂ and N,N-dimethylethylenediamine, followed by extraction into 3N HCl, neutralization with aqueous NH₃ and extraction with EtOAc gave N, N-dimethylaminoethyl-2-chloro-1-methylindole-3-carboxamide [XXII: R₆ =H, R₇ =CH₂ CH₂ NMe₂ ] as an oil (74% yield), which eventually solidified; mp 63° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ8.20 (1H, dd, J=8.1, 1.7 Hz, H-4), 7.26-7.20 (3H, m, H-5,6,7), 7.01 (1H, br, CONH), 3.69 (3H, s, N-CH₃), 3.58 (2H, dr, J=6.1, 5.1 Hz, CONHCH₂), 2.55 (2H, t, J=6.1 Hz, CH₂ N(CH₃)₂, 2.30 (6H, s, N(CH₃)).

¹³ C NMR: δ163.62 (CONH), 135.31 (s), 126.43 (s), 125.79 (s), 122.90 (d), 121.83 (d), 121.06 (d), 109.17 (d), 107.07 (s), 57.84 (CONHCH₂), 45.14 (N(CH₃)₂), 36.80 CH₂ N(CH₃)₂), 29.96 (N-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₁₄ H₁₈ ClN₃ O requires: M⁺ 281.1109, 279.1138.

Found: M⁺ 281.1106, 279.1118 (mass spectrum).

Following treatment of this with MeSLi as above, the reaction mixture was partitioned between CH₂ Cl₂ and water. The organic portion was extracted with 3N HCl, and the extract was neutralized with aqueous NH₃, extracted with CH₂ Cl₂, and worked up to give an oil which was dissolved in MeOH and allowed to stand at 20° C. for 48 hours. The product was adsorbed directly onto silica and chromatographed. Elution with MeOH/EtOAc (1:19) containing a trace of concentrated NH4_(o) H gave 2,2'-dithiobis [N-(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl) 1-methylindolyl-3-carboxamide] (115) IV: R₁ =H, R₂ =CONHCH₂ CH₂ NMe₂, R₃ =Me] (54% yield); mp (CH₂ Cl₂ /light petroleum) 163.5°-165° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ8.24 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz, H-7), 7.36 (1H, dd, J=8.2, 7.8 Hz, H-6), 7.30 (1H, d, J=8.2 Hz, H-7), 7.25 (1H, dd, J=8.1, 7.8 Hz, H-5), 7.10 (1H, br, CONH), 3.60 (3H, s, N-CH₃), 2.99 (2H, dt, J=6.3, 5.5 Hz, CONHCH₂), 2.26 (2H, t, J=6.3 Hz, CH₂ N(CH₃)₂), 2.21 (6H, s, N(CH₃)₂).

¹³ C NMR: δ163.71 (CONH), 138.27 (s), 126.64 (s), 125.20 (d), 122.70 (d), 122.11 (d), 118.46 (s), 110.08 (d), 57.72 (CONHCH₂), 45.19 (N(CH₃)₂), 36.81 (CH₂ N(CH₃)₂), 30.15 (N-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₂₈ H₃₆ N₆ O₂ S₂ requires: C, 60.8; H, 6.6; N, 15.2; S, 11.6%.

Found: C, 60.7; H, 6.8; N, 14.9; S, 11.4%.

Compound 116 of Table 1

Similar reaction of 2-chloro-1-methylindole-3-carboxylic acid [XXI] with SOCl₂ and 4-aminopyridine gave N-(4-pyridyl)-2-chloro-1-methylindole-3-carboxamide [XXII: R₆ =H, R₇ =4-pyridyl] (61% yield); mp (CHCl₃ /light petroleum) 220°-223° C.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ10.28 (1H, br, CONH), 8.47 (2H, d, J=6 i Hz, H-2',6') 7 82 (1H, d, J=7 5 Hz, H-4), 7.72 (2H, d, J=6.1 Hz, H-3',5'), 7.63 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, H-7), 7.33 (1H, dd, J=8.0, 7.6 Hz, H-6), 7.25 (1H, dd, J=7.6, 7.5 Hz, H-5), 3.84 (3H, s, N -CH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ162.03 (CONH), 150.16 (d), 145.81 (s), 134.98 (s), 127.50 (s), 124.49 (s), 122.81 (d), 121.54 (d), 119.59 (d), 113.50 (d), 110.47 (d), 107.60 (s), 30.11 (N-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₁₅ H₁₂ ClN₃ O requires: C, 63.1; H, 4.2; N, 14.7%.

Found: C, 62.8; H, 3.9; N, 14.6%.

Reaction of this with MeSLi as above gave 2,2'-dithiobis[N-(4-pyridyl)-1-methylindolyl-3-carboxamide] (116) [V: R₁ =H, R₂ =CONH-4-pyridyl, R₃ =Me] (53% yield); mp 226°-229° C. (dec).

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ14.46 (1H, s, CONH), 8.51 (2H, d, J=7.0 Hz, H-2',6'), 8.13 (2H, d, J=7.0 Hz, H-3',5'), 8.05 (1H, d, J=7.9 Hz, H-4), 7.16 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz, H-7), 7.00 (2H, m, H-5,6), 3.68 (3H, s, N-CH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ165.13 (s), 164.33 (CONH), 153.80 (s), 141.35 (d), 137.26 (s), 128.35 (s), 120.30 (d), 119.97 (d), 118.52 (d), 112.83 (d), 107.66 (d), 104.06 (s), 29.37 (N-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₃₀ H₂₄ N₆ O₂ S₂ requires: C, 62.8; H, 4.4; N, 14.6; S, 11.2%.

Found: C, 62.4; H, 4.9; N, 14.5; S, 11.4%.

Compound 117 of Table 1

Similar reaction of 2-chloro-1-methylindole-3-carboxylic acid [XXI] with SOCl₂ and 3-aminopyridine gave N-(3-pyridyl)-2-chloro-1-methylindole-3-carboxamide [XXII: R₇ =H, R₈ =3-pyridyl] (86% yield); mp (EtOAc/light petroleum) 175°-177° C.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ10.13 (1H, s, CONH), 8.90 (1H, d, J=2.4 Hz, H-2'), 8.30 (1H, dd, J=4.7, 1.4 Hz, H-6'), 8.18 (1H, ddd, J=4.5, 2.4, 1.4 Hz, H-4'), 7.84 (1H, d, J=7.9 Hz, H-4), 7.63 (1H, d, J=8.2 Hz, H-7), 7.40 (1H, dd, J=4.7, 4.5 Hz, H-5'), 7.32 (1H, dd, J=8.2, 7.7 Hz, H-6), 7.25 (1H, dd, J=7.9, 7.7 Hz, H-5), 3.84 (3H, s, N-CH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ161.71 (CONH), 144.11 (d), 141.38 (d), 135.85 (s), 134.98 (s), 127.15 (s), 126.62 (d), 124.51 (s), 123.46 (d), 122.74 (d), 121.43 (d), 119.70 (d), 110.43 (d), 107.69 (s), 30.09 (N-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₁₅ H₁₂ ClN₃ O requires: C, 63.1; H, 4.1; N, 14.3; Cl, 13.6%.

Found: C, 63.2; H, 4.2; N, 14.9; Cl, 12.4%.

Treatment of this with MeSLi as above gave 2,2'-dithiobis [N-(3-pyridyl) 1-methylindolyl-3-carboxamide] (117) [V: R₁ =H, R₂ =CONH-3-pyridyl, R₃ =Me] (71% yield); mp 257°-260° C.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ13.82 (1H, s, CONH), 9.53 (1H, d, J=1.6 Hz, H-2'), 8.44 (2H, m, H-4',6'), 8.05 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, H-4), 7.91 (1H, dd, J=-4.6, 4.5 Hz, H-5'), 7.14 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz, H-7), 6.96 (2H, m, H-5',6'), 3.67 (3H, s, N-CH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ164.76 (CONH), 162.70 (s), 140.01 (s), 136.97 (s), 134.17 (d), 132.51 (d), 131.06 (d), 128.44 (s), 127.08 (d), 119.90 (d), 119.45 (d), 118.39 (d), 107.50 (d), 103.89 (s), 29.25. (N-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₃₀ H₂₄ N₆ O₂ S₂ requires: C, 63.8; H, 4.3; N, 14.9; S, 11.4%.

Found: C, 63.5; H, 4.9; N, 14.8; S, 11.1%.

Compound 118 of Table 1

Treatment of 2-chloro-1-methylindole-3-carboxamide [XXII: R₇ =R₈ =H] (Andreani A, Rambaldi M, J. Het. Chem. 1988;25:1519-1523) with MeSLi as above gave 2,2'-dithiobis[1-methylindolyl-3-carboxamide] (118) [V: R₁ =H, R₂ =CONH₂, R₃ =Me] (71% yield); mp 186°-188° C.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ7.99 (1H, d, J=7.9 Hz, H-4), 7.52 (1H, d, J=8.3 Hz, H-7), 7.33 (1H, dd, J=8.3, 7.2 Hz, H-6), 7.25-7.11 (3H, m, H-5 and CONH₂), 3.48 (3H, s, N-CH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ164.76 (CONH2), 137.56 (s), 129.35 (s), 125.51 (s), 124.37 (d), 121.58 (d), 121.23 (d), 117.77 (s), 110.74 (d), 29.82 (N-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₂₀ H₁₈ N₄ O₂ S₂.0.5H₂ O requires: C, 57.3; H, 4.6; N, 13.4; S, 15.3%.

Found: C, 57.7; H, 4.5; N, 13.5; S, 15.4%.

Compound 119 of Table 1

Treatment of N,N-dimethyl 2-chloro-1-methylindole-3-carboxamide [XXII: R₇ =R₈ =Me] (Bergman J, Carlsson R, Sjoberg B, J. Her. Chem. 1977;14:1123-1134) with MeSLi as above gave 2,2'-dithiobis[N,N-dimethyl-1-methylindolyl-3-carboxamide] (19) [V: R₁ =H, R₂ =CONMe₂, R₃ =Me]. Chromatography on silica gel, eluting with EtOAc, followed by crystallization from EtOAc/light petroleum gave pure material (54% yield); mp 96°-102° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ7.43 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, H-4), 7.31 (2H, m, H-6,7), 7.15 (1H, m, H-5), 3.64 (3H, s, N-CH₃), 2.91, 2.62 (2x3H, 2xbr, N(CH₃)₂).

¹³ C NMR: δ165.89 (CONMe₂), 138.06 (s), 128.51 (s), 125.04 (s), 124.47 (d), 121.15 (d), 120.59 (d), 120.19 (s), 110.19 (d), 38.65 (N(CH₃)₂), 34.84 (N(CH₃)₂), 30.23 (N-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₂₄ H₂₆ N₄ O₂ S₂.0.5H₂ O requires: C, 60.6; H, 5.7; N, 11.7%.

Found: C, 60.3; H, 5.8; N, 11.2%.

Analysis calculated for C₂₄ H₂₇ N₄ S₂ O₂ requires: [M+H]⁺ 467.1575.

Found: [M+H]⁺ 467.1559 (FAB mass spectrum).

Compound 120 of Table 1

A mixture of 2-chloroindole-3-carboxaldehyde (7.0 g, 36 mmol) was reacted with a slight excess of hydroxylamine hydrochloride and pyridine in refluxing EtOH for 1 hour, to give the crude oxime (Latrell R, Bartmann W, Musif J, Granzer E, German Patent 2,707,268, 31 Aug 1978, Chem. Abstr. 1978;89:179858y). A solution of this in Ac₂ O (100 mL) was heated under reflux for 1 hour, cooled, and stirred with water (700 mL). The precipitated solid was collected, washed with water, and crystallized from aqueous MeOH to give 2-chloro-1H-indole-3-carbonitrile (3.7 g, 58%); mp 177°-180° C.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ13.23 (1H, s, NH), 7.60 (1H, d, J=7.5 Hz, ArH), 7.50 (1H, d, J=7.9 Hz, ArH), 7.34 (1H, t, J=7.5 H, ArH), 7.29 (1H, t, J=7.3 Hz, ArH).

¹³ C NMR: δ134.0, 131.5, 126.2, 114.1 (C), 123.8, 122.3, 117.9, 112.3 (CH), 83.8 (CN).

Analysis calculated for C₉ H₅ ClN₂ requires: C, 61.2; H, 2.9; N, 15.9%.

Found: C, 61.2; H, 2.7; N, 15.9%.

A solution of the above nitrile (2.5 g, 14 mmol) in Me₂ CO was treated with a slight excess of MeI and K₂ CO₃ under reflux for 1 hour. Crystallization of the crude product from hexane gave 2-chloro-1-methylindole-3-carbonitrile (1.88 g, 70%); mp 112°-114° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ7.61-7.55 (1H, m, ArH), 7.34-7.21 (3H, m, ArH), 3.74 (3H, s, CH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ135.0, 133.4, 126.0, 114.1 (C), 123.9, 122.7, 118.8, 110.1 (CH), 85.2 (CN).

Analysis calculated for C₁₀ H₇ ClN₂ requires: C, 63.0; H, 3.7; N, 14.7%.

Found: C, 63.0; H, 3.6; N, 14.7%.

Treatment of this with MeSLi as above gave 2,2'-dithiobis (2-chloro-1-methylindole-3-carbonitrile) (120) [V: R₁ =H, R₂ =CN, R₃ =Me] (53% yield); mp 205°-207° C.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ7.69 (1H, d, J=8.3 Hz, H-4), 7.51 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, H-7), 7.42 (1H, dd, J=8.0, 7.3 Hz, H-6), 7.28 (1H, dd, J=8.3, 7.3 Hz, H-5), 3.82 (3H, S, N-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₂₀ H₁₄ N₄ S₂ requires: C, 64.2; H, 3.8; N, 15.0; S, 17.1%.

Found: C, 64.2; H, 3.8; N, 15.1; S, 17.7%.

Compound 121 of Table 1

3-Acetyl-2-chloro-1-methylindole was prepared by the reported method (Coppola G.M., Hardtmann G.E., J., Het. Chem. 1977;14:117-1118). This was reacted with MeSLi as above gave 3-acetyl-1-methyl-2-indol inethione [XV: R₅ =Me] (66% yield); mp 180° C.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ15.60 (1H, br, SH), 7.64 (1H, d, J=6.5 Hz, H-4), 7.39 (1H, d, J=7.6 Hz, H-7), 7.32 (1H, dd, J=7.6, 7.3 Hz, H-6), 7.24 (1H, dd, J=7.3, 6.5 Hz, H-5), 3.65 (3H, s, N-CH₃), 2.66 (3H, s, COCH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ178.29 (COCH₃), 140.56 (s), 125.21 (d), 124.67 (s), 123.27 (d), 120.60 (d), 111.31 (s), 109.99 (d), 29.31 (N-CH₃), 22.44 (COCH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₉ H₅ ClN₂ requires: C, 61.2; H, 2.9; N, 15.9%.

Found: C, 61.2; H, 2.7; N, 15.9%.

A solution of the above thione (0.10 g, 0.49 mmol) in MeOH/EtOAc (1: 9 ) (10 mL) was stirred vigorously with 30% H₂ O₂ (0.20 mL) for 4 hours. The solution was concentrated to a volume of 0.5 mL, and the orange precipitate was filtered off and washed well with MeOH to give 2,2'-dithiobis(3-acetyl-1-methylindole) (121) [V: R₁ =H, R₂ =COMe, R₃ =Me] (100% yield); mp 178.5°-179.5° C.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ8.14 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz, H-4), 7.62 (1H, d, J=8.3 Hz, H-7), 7.39 (1H, dd, J=8.3, 7.3 Hz, H-6), 7.27 (1H, dd, J=8.1, 7.3 Hz, H-5), 3.75 (3H, s, N-CH₃), 2.00 (3H, s, COCH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ192.56 (COCH₃), 137.65 (S), 133.73 (s), 125.41 (S), 124.79 (d), 122.73 (d), 121.95 (d), 121.43 (s), 110.92 (d), 30.34 (COCH₃), 29.43 (N-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₂₂ H₂₀ N₂ O₂ S₂.0.5H₂ O requires: C, 63.3; H, 5.1; N, 6.7%.

Found: C, 63.7; H, 4.7; N, 6.8%.

Compound 122 of Table 1

Similar reaction of 2-chloro-1-methylindole-3-carboxylic acid [XXI] with SOCl₂ and 2-aminopyridine gave N-(2'-pyridyl)-2-chloro-1-methylindole-3-carboxamide [XXII: R₆ =H, R₇ =2-pyridyl] (42% yield); mp (light petroleum) 123° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ8.85 (1H, s, CONH), 8.41 (1H, d, J=8.4 Hz, Ho4), 8.30 (2H, m), 7.72 (1H, m), 7.28 (3H, m), 7.02 (1H, dd, J=7.2, 4.9 Hz), 3.74 (3H, s, N-CH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ161.58 (CONH), 151.85 (s), 147.92 (d), 138.27 (d), 135.46 (s), 127.22 (s), 125.84 (s), 123.45 (d), 122.48 (d), 121.16 (d), 119.47 (d), 114.25 (d), 109.44 (d), 106.59 (s), 30.21 (N-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₁₅ H₁₂ ClN₃ O requires: C, 63.1; H, 4.2; N, 14.7%.

Found: C, 62.9; H, 4.2; N, 14.4%.

Treatment of this with MeSLi as above gave 2,2'-dithiobis [N-(2'-pyridyl)-1-methylindole-3-carboxamide] (122) [V: R₁ =H, R₂ =CONH-2-pyridyl, R₃ =Me] (68% yield); mp 270°-272° C. (dec).

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ14.93 (1H, br, CONH), 8.32 (1H, d, J=6.0 Hz), 8.25 (1H, dd, J=8.3, 7.7 Hz), 8.02 (1H, dd, J=7.4, 3.7 Hz), 7.57 (1H, d, J=8.7 Hz), 7.35 (1H, t, J=6.6 Hz), 7.21 (1H, dd, J=5.1, 3.0 Hz), 7.04 (2H, m), 3.69 (3H, s, N-CH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ166.48 (s), 165.41 (CONH), 149.16 (s), 145.34 (d), 137.66 (s), 137.49 (s), 127.89 (s), 120.66 (d), 120.44 (d), 118.32 (d), 117.55 (d), 115.32 (d), 107.96 (d), 102.69 (s), 29.40 (N-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₃₀ H₂₄ N₆ O₂ S₂.0.25H₂ O requires: C, 63.3; H, 4.3; N, 14.8; S, 11.3%.

Found: C, 63.2; H, 4.5; N, 14.8; S, 11.7%.

Compound 123 of Table 1

Similar treatment of 1-methyl-2-indolinethione [IV: R₁, R₂ =H, R₃ =CH₃ ] with the acyl azide derived from 2-furoic acid gave 3-(2-furoyl)-1-methyl-2-indolinethione [IV: R₁ =H, R₂ =CO (2-furyl); R₃ =Me] (85% yield); mp 113.5° C.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ15.90 (1H, br, SH), 8.28 (1H, d, J=1.6 Hz, H-5'), 7.97 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, H-4), 7.56 (1H, d, J=3.6 Hz, H-3'), 7.46 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, H-7), 7.37 (1H, dd, J=8.0, 7.4 Hz, H-6), 7.21 (1H, dd, J=8.0, 7.4 Hz, H-5), 6.94 (1H, dd, J=3.6, 1.6 Hz, H-4'), 3.72 (3H, s, N-CH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ180.09 (CS), 160.65 (CO), 147.95 (d), 147.27 (s), 140.92 (s), 126.05 (d), 123.26 (s), 123.12 (d), 121.04 (d), 119.19 (d), 113.22 (d), 110.11 (d), 109.64 (s), 29.79 (N-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₁₄ H₁₁ NO₂ S requires: C, 65.3; H, 4.4; N, 5.7; S, 12.7%.

Found: C, 65.4; H, 4,3; N, 5.4; S, 12.5%.

Reaction of the above compound with I₂ as described above gave 2,2'-dithiobis [3-(2-furoyl)-1-methylindole] (123) [V: R₁ =H; R₂ =CO(2-furyl); R₃ =Me] (85% yield); mp 175°-176.5° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ7.47 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz, H-4), 7.33 (1H, dd, J=1.6, 0.7 Hz, H-5'), 7.23 (1H, dd, J=8.1, 7.8 Hz, H-6), 7.21 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz, H-7), 7.09 (1H, dd, J=8.1, 7.9 Hz, H-5), 6.63 (1H, dd, J=3.6, 0.7 Hz, H-3'), 6.23 (1H, dd, J=3.6, 1.6 Hz, H-4'), 3.73 (3H, s, NCH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ177.09 (CO), 152.55 (s), 145.91 (d), 138.18, 131.32, 125.80 (3xs), 124.72 (d), 123.60 (s), 121.73, 121.12, 119.16, 111.91, 110.06 (5xd), 30.54 (NCH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₂₈ H₂₀ N₂ O₄ S₂.0.5H₂ O requires:

Found: C, 64.4; H, 4.1; N, 5.4; S, 12.3%. C, 64.7; H, 4.1; N, 5.6; S, 12.4%.

Compound 124 of Table 1

Similar treatment of 1-methyl-2-indolinethione [IV: R₁, R₂ =H, R₃ =CH₃ ] with the isocyanate derived from thiophene-2-carboxylic acid gave 2,2 '-dithiobis[N-(2-thienyl)-1-methylindole-3-carboxamide] (124) [V: R₁ =H, R₂ =CONHfuryl, R₃ =Me] (21% yield; mp 183° C. (dec).

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): a 11.26 (1H, s, CONH), 7.93 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, H-4), 7.62 (1H, d, J=8.3 Hz, H-7), 7.34 (1H, dd, J=8.3, 7.4 Hz, H-6), 7.24 (1H, dd, J=8.0, 7.4 Hz, H-5), 7.05 (1H, dd, J=5.3, 3.6 Hz, H-4'), 6.94 (1H, d, J=5.3 Hz, H-5'), 6.41 (1H, d, J=3.6 Hz, H-3'), 3.95 (3H, s, NCH₃).

¹³ C NMR: δ160.10 (CONH), 139.86 (s), 137.81 (s), 136.86 (s), 125.19 (s), 123.96 (d), 123.69 (d), 121.28 (d), 120.54 (d), 116.85 (d), 114.73 (s), 111.20 (d), 110.77 (d), 30.54 (N-CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₂₈ H₂₂ N₄ O₂ S₄.H₂ O requires: C, 57.6; H, 4.0; N, 9.6%.

Found: C, 57.6; H, 4.1; N, 10.0%.

EXAMPLE J Preparation of Compound 125 of Table 1 by the Method Outlined in Scheme 9

Reaction of 3-chlorocarbonyl-1-(phenylsulfonyl)-indole [XXIII] (Ketcha D. M., Gribble G. W., J. Org. Chem. 1985;50:5451-5457) with an excess of benzylamine in CH₂ Cl₂) (method of Ketcha and Gribble) gave N-benzyl-1-(phenylsulfonyl) indole-3-carboxamide [XXIV: R₈ =CH₂ Ph]; mp (MeOH) 188°-189° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ8.05 (1H, s, H-2), 8.03-7.86 (4H, m, ArH), 7.56-7.26 (10H, m, ArH), 6.43 (1H, m, NH), 4.64 (2H, d, J=5.7 Hz, CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₂₂ H₁₈ N₂ O₃ S requires: C, 67.7; H, 4.5; N, 7.2; S, 8.2%.

Found: C, 67.4; H, 4.8; N, 7.1; S, 8.2%.

A solution of the above N-benzyl-1-(phenylsulfonyl)indole -3-carboxamide [XXIV: R₈ =CH₂ Ph] (4.2 g, 11 mmol) in dry THF (200 mL) was treated at -78° C. with a solution of 2.5M n-BuLi in hexanes (9.1 mL, 23 mmol), and the stirred mixture was allowed to warm to -20° C. for 15 minutes, before being recooled to -78° C., when it was treated with methyldisulfide (2.5 mL, 28 mmol). The mixture was allowed to warm to 20° C., then quenched with water (25 mL). Volatiles were removed under reduced pressure, and the residue was extracted with EtOAc. Workup of the organic layer gave a crude product. This was dissolved in MeOH (300 mL), mixed with a solution of K₂ CO₃ (6.9 g, 50 mmol) in water (125 mL), and heated under gentle reflux under N₂ for 2 hours to ensure complete hydrolysis of the phenylsulfonyl group (J. Org. Chem. 1985;50:5451-5457). MeOH was removed under reduced pressure, and the residue was diluted with water and extracted with CH₂ Cl₂. Chromatography of the resulting oil on Al₂ O₃ (eluting with CH₂ Cl₂) gave N-benzyl-2-(methylthio)indole -3-carboxalnide [XXV: R₈ =CH₂ Ph] (2.8 g, 88% yield) as an oil.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ10.65 (1H, s, H-1), 8.29 (d, J=5.1 Hz, H-4), 7.87 (1H, t, J=5.6 Hz, CONH), 7.34-7.08 (8H, m, ArH), 4.73 (2H, d, J=5.6 Hz, CH₂), 2.33 (3H, s, SMe).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ165.6 (C=0), 138.5, 136.4, 133.1 and 110.8 (C), 128.5, 127.2, 127.1, 122.9, 121.4, 126.8 and 111.2 (CH), 43.2 (CH₂), 18.5 (CH₃).

HREIMS calculated for C₁₇ H₁₆ N₂ OS: 296.0983.

Found: 296.0985.

A solution of the above N-benzyl-2-(methylthio)indole -3-carboxamide [XXV: R -CH₂ Ph] (0.85 g, 2.87 mmol) in DMA (5 mL) was added under N₂ to a stirred suspension of MeSLi (0.93 g, 17.2 mmol) in DMA (10 mL). After warming at 80° C. for 6 hours, the mixture was acidified with 3N HCl, extracted with CH₂ Cl₂, and worked up. Traces of DMA were removed under high vacuum, and the residue was dissolved in MeOH (15 mL) and treated dropwise with H₂ O₂ (0.5 mL of 30% solution). After chilling at -30° C. overnight, the precipitate was filtered off to give 2,2'-dithiobis [N-benzylindolyl-3-carboxamide] (125) [V: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =CONHCH₂ Ph], (74%); mp 203°-205° C.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ12.97 (1H, s, NH), 8.48 (1H, t, J=5.7 Hz, CONCH₂), 7.86 (1H, d, J=8.2 Hz, H-4), 7.40 (2H, d, J=8.3 Hz, H-2',6'), 7.34 (3H, dd, J=8.3, 8.2 Hz, H-7,3',5'), 7.25 (1H, t, J=8.2 Hz, H-4'), 7.20-7.10 (2H, m, H-5,6), 4.56 (2H, d, J=5.7 H z, CONHCH₂ ).

¹³ C NMR: δ164.71 (CONH), 139.77 (s), 136.69 (s), 135.30 (s), 128.16 (d), 127.15 (d), 126.56 (d), 124.44 (s), 122.63 (d), 120.78 (d), 119.25 (d), 111.60 (d), 110.54 (s), 42.62 (CONHCH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₃₂ N₂₆ N₄ O₂ S₂ requires: C, 68.3; H, 4.7; N, 10.0; S, 11.4%.

Found: C, 68.0; H, 4.8; N, 9.9; S, 11.2%.

Compound 126 of Table 1

Reaction of 3-chlorocarbonyl-1-(phenylsulfonyl)indole [XXIII] with an excess of aniline as above gave N-phenyl-1-(phenylsulfonyl)indole-3-carboxamide [XXIV: R₈ =Ph]; mp (MeOH) 220°-222.5° C.

¹ H NMR: δ(CDCl₃) 8.18 (1H, s, H-2), 8.12 (1H, d, J=7.8 Hz, H-4), 7.99 (1H, d, J=8.3 Hz, H-7), 7.91 (2H, d, J=7.9 Hz, ArH), 7.90 (1H, m, NH), 7.65 (2H, d, J=8.4 Hz, ArH), 7.57 (1H, t, J=7.8 Hz, ArH), 7.45 (2H, t, J=7.8 Hz, ArH), 7.41-7.33 (4H, m, ArH), 7.15 (1H, t, J=7.4 Hz, H-5).

Analysis calculated for C₂₁ H₁₈ N₂ O₃ S requires: C, 67.0; H, 4.3; N, 7.4; S, 8.5%.

Found: C, 66.9; H, 4.4; N, 7.3; S, 8.5%.

Treatment of this with n-BuLi/methyldisulfide as above gave 2-(methylthio)-N-phenylindole-3-carboxamide [XXV: R₈ =Ph] (81%) as an oil.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ10.19 (1H, s, H-1), 9.59 (1H, s, CONH), 8.47 (1H, d, J=6.8 Hz, H-4), 7.80 (2H, d, J=8.5 Hz, ArH), 7.43-7.35 (3H, m, ArH), 7.28-7.16 (3H, m, ArH), 2.51 (3H, s, SCH₃).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ163.5 (CO), 138.2, 136.1, 132.5, 127.3, 111.2 (CH), 19.1 (CH₃).

HREIMS calculated for C₁₆ H₁₄ N₂ OS: 282.0827

Found: 282.0827.

Treatment of this with MeSLi as above gave 2,2'-dithiobis [N-phenylindolyl-3-carboxamide] (126) [V: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =CONHPh], (67%); mp 220°-223° C.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ12.73 (1H, s, NH), 9.88 (1H, s, CONH), 7.81 (1H, d, J=7.9 Hz, H-4), 7.69 (2H, d, J=8.4 Hz, H-2',6'), 7.46 (1H, d, J=7.7 Hz, H-7), 7.34 (2H, dd, J=8.4, 8.3 Hz, H-3',5'), 7.24 (1H, dd, J=7.7, 7.7 Hz, H-6), 7.17 (1H, dd, J=7.9, 7.7 Hz, H-5), 7.10 (1H, dd, J=8.3 Hz, H-4').

¹³ C NMR: δ163.27 (CONH), 138.89 (s), 136.73 (s), 133.94 (s), 128.53 (d), 125.12 (s), 123.49 (d), 123.17 (d), 120.99 (d), 120.32 (d), 119.97 (d), 112.89 (s), 111.67 (d).

Analysis calculated for C₃₀ H₂₂ N₄ O₂ S₂ requires: C, 67.4; H, 4.2; N, 10.5; S, 12.0%.

Found: C, 67.1; H, 4.3; N, 10.6; S, 12.0%.

Compound 127 of Table 1

Reaction of 3-chlorocarbonyl-1-(phenylsulfonyl)indole [XXIII] with an excess of methylamine as above gave N-methyl-1-(phenylsulfonyl)indole-3-carboxamide [XXIV: R₈ =Me]; mp (MeOH) 192.5°-195° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ8.06 (1H, s, H-2), 8.03-7.84 (4H, m, ArH) 7.53-7.26 (5H, m, ArH), 6.37 (1H, m, NH), 2.99 (d, J=4.9 Hz, CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₁₆ H₁₄ N₂ O₃ S requires: C, 61.1, H, 4.5; N, 8.9; S, 10.2%.

Found: C, 61.1; H, 4.7; N, 8.9; S, 10.0%.

Treatment of this with n-BuLi/methyldisulfide as above gave N-methyl-2-(methylthio)indole-3-carboxamide [XXV: R₈ =Me] (95%); mp (hexane-CH₂ Cl₂) 138.5°-139.5° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ10.31 (1H, s, H-1), 8.35-8.26 (1H, m, H-4), 7.44 (1H, t, J=4.8 Hz, NH), 7.38-7.30 (1H, m, ArH), 7.19-7.11 (2H, m, ArH), 3.06 (3H, d, J=4.8 Hz, CH₃), 2.49 (3H, s, SCH₃).

¹³ C NMR (CDCl₃): δ166.4 (C0), 136.4, 132.4, 127.4 and 111.7 (C), 123.1, 121.5, 121.2, 111.1 (CH), 26.3 and 18.9 (CH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₁₁ H₁₂ N₂ OS requires: C, 60.0; H, 5.5; N, 12.7; S, 14.6%.

Found: C, 59.8; H, 5.7; N, 12.7; S, 14.5%.

Treatment of this with MeSLi as above gave 2,2'-dithiobis[N-methylindolinyl-3-carboxamide] (127) [V: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =CONHMe], (57% yield); mp 232°-236° C. (dec).

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ12.94 (1H, s, NH), 7.85 (1H, br, CONH), 7.81 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, H-4), 7.46 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, H-7), 7.20 (1H, dd, J=8.0, 7.7 Hz, H-6), 7.14 (1H, dd, J=8.0, 7.7 Hz, H-5), 2.88 (3H, d, J=4.5 H z, CONHCH₃).

¹³ H NMR: δ165.20 (CONH), 136.70 (s), 134.76 (s), 124.47 (s), 122.61 (d), 120.71 (d), 119.55 (d), 111.55 (d), 111.02 (s), 26.22 (CONHCH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₂₀ H₁₈ N₄ O₂ S₂ requires: C, 58.5; H, 4.4; N, 13.7; S, 15.6%.

Found: C, 58.4; H, 4.7; N, 13.6; S, 15.4%.

Compound 128 of Table 1

A solution of 2-(methylthio)-N-phenyl-1H-indole-3-carboxamide [XXV: R₈ =H] (1.8 g, 6.4 mmol) in EtOH (400 mL) was treated with 3-(dimethylamino)propyl chloride hydrochloride (10.0 g, 64 mmol) and K₂ CO₃ (13 g, 96 mmol) and heated under reflux for 3 hours. A further 10 equivalents of the reagents were then added, and the mixture was heated under reflux for a further 48 hours. EtOH was removed under reduced pressure, and the residue was diluted with water to give crude product. This was chromatographed on alumina, eluting with CH₂ Cl₂ containing 0.2% MeOH, to give 1-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl] -2-(methylthio)-N-phenyl-1H-indole-3-carboxamide [XXVI: R₈ =H, R₉ =(CH₂)₃ NMe₂ ] (0.49 g, 21%) as an oil.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ9.93 (1H, s, NH), 8.54 (1H, d, J=7.8 Hz, H-4), 7.74 (2H, d, J=8.6 Hz, H-2',6'), 7.42-7.24 (5H, m, ArH), 7.11 (1H, t, J=7.4 Hz, ArH), 4.46 (2H, t, J=7.4 Hz, 1-CH₂), 2.47 (3H, s, SCH₃), 2.37 (2H, t, J=6.9 Hz, CH₂ N), 2.27 (6H, s, N(CH₃)₂), 1.97 (2H, dxt, J=7.4, 6.9 Hz, CH₂ CH₂ CH₂).

¹³ C NMR: δ162.6 (CO), 138.8, 136.7, 131.4, 127.5, 114.1 (C), 129.0, 124.1, 123.7, 122.8, 122.1, 119.8, 110.0 (CH), 56.5, 42.0, 28.3 (CH₂), 45.3 (N(CH₃)₂), 21.1 (SCH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₂₁ H₂₅ N₃ O₈ requires: [M+H⁺ ]=368.1797.

HRFABMS

Found: [M+H⁺ ]368.1812.

This was treated with MeSLi at 80° C. for 8 hours as above. Water was added, the mixture was washed with CH₂ Cl₂, and the aqueous portion was carefully neutralized with 3N HCl and extracted with CH₂ Cl₂. This extract was worked up to give an oil which was dissolved in MeOH and treated dropwise at room temperature with a saturated solution of I₂ in CH₂ Cl₂ until no starting material was evident on TLC analysis. The reaction mixture was absorbed directly onto silica and chromatographed. MeOH/EtOAc (1:9) eluted foreruns, while MeOH/EtOAc (1:9) containing a trace of concentrated NH4OH gave 2,2'-dithiobis[1-{3-(dimethylamino) }propyl)-N-phenyl-1H -indole-3-carboxamide] (128) [V: R₁ =H, R₂ =CONHPh, R₃ -(CH₂)₃ NMe₂ ] (10% yield) as a yellow foam.

¹ H NMR (CD₃₀ D): δ8.19 (1H, d, J=7.3 Hz, H-4), 7.64 (1H, d, J=7.5 Hz, H-7), 7.30-7.20 (3H, m, ArH), 7.10 -6.95 (4H, m, ArH), 4.41 (2H, t, J=6.2 Hz, CH₂ N), 2.74 (2H, t, J=6.7 Hz, CH₂ NMe₂), 2.64 (6H, s, N (CH₃)₂), 2.09 (2H, m, CH₂ CH₂ CH₂).

Analysis calculated for C₄₀ H₄₅ N₆ O₂ S₂ requires: [M+H⁺ ]=705.3045.

HRFABMS found: [M+H⁺ ]=705.3035.

EXAMPLE K Preparation of Compound 129 of Table 1 by the Method Qualined in Scheme 10

To a stirred 25° C. solution of 41 mL (558 mmol) of DMF and 75 mL of dichloromethane was added dropwise a solution of 133.5 g (465 mmol) of POBr₃ in 100 mL of dichloromethane at such a rate to maintain a gentle reflux via the exothermic reaction (ca. 1 hour). The resulting thick tan suspension was stirred vigorously for 10 minutes, then treated dropwise over 20 minutes with a solution of 27.38 g (186 mmol) of 1-methyl-2-indolinone [VII: R₁ =H, R₃ =CH₃) in 55 mL of dichloromethane. The mixture was heated at reflux for 3.5 hours, cooled to 25° C., and the supernatant was decanted and concentrated to a thick reddish brown oil. This was combined with the solids above and treated very cautiously with portionwise addition of ca. 20 g of ice, then with 112 g of 50% (w/w) aqueous NaOH, all the while keeping the temperature between 30°-40° C. (pH=3). An additional 20 g of 50% NaOH, then 100 mL of ice water were added, and the precipitate was collected by filtration. The eolids were washed well with water, then dried over P₂ O₅ to leave 42.6 g of crude bromoaldehyde; mp 92°-97° C. The solids were dissolved in ca. 65 mL of dichloromethane and the solution filtered over 165 g of flash silica gel placed in a 600 mL sintered glass funnel. The frit was washed with dichloromethane until all the product had eluted. The combined product fractions were concentrated to leave 34.66 g (78%) of nearly pure 2-bromo-1-methylindole-3-carboxaldehyde [XXVI: R₁ =H, R₃ =CH₃, X=Br]; mp 110°-112° which was used directly in the next reaction.

To a vigorously stirred solution of 2.38 g (10 mmol) of 2-bromo-1-methylindole-3-carboxaldehyde [XXVI: R₁ =H, R₃ =CH₃, X=Br], 10 mL of 2-methyl-2-butene, and 40 mL of p-dioxane at 25° C. was added dropwise over ca. 15 minutes a solution of 5 g (55 mmol) of sodium chlorite and 5 g (36 mmol) of NaH₂ PO₄.H₂ O in 25 mL of water. The solution was maintained at 25° C. After 3.5 hours, the mixture was treated with an additional 2.5 g each of the chlorite and phosphate. After a total reaction time of 24 hours, the mixture was extracted 3 times with dichloromethane, then the aqueous phase was acidified to pH 2 with aqueous HCl, and extracted once more. The combined organic extracts were washed with water, dried, and evaporated to leave a solid residue that was boiled in 2 -propanol. After cooling, the solids were collected by filtration, washed with a little 2-propanol, and dried to leave 2.21 g (87%) of 2-bromo-1-methylindole-3-carboxylic acid [XXVII: R₁ =H, R₃ =CH₃, X=Br] as a beige solid; mp ca. 198° C. (dec), in 2 crops.

A suspension of 2.54 g (10 mmol) of 2-bromo-1-methylindole-3-carboxylic acid [XXVII: R₁ =H, R₃ =CH₃, X=Br], 2.54 g (10 mmol) of bis(2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)phosphinic chloride, 2.78 mL (20 mmol) of triethylamine, and 25 mL of 1,2-dichloroothane was heated at reflux for 1.5 hours. The mixture was cooled and poured into 150 mL 5% aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution and stirred for 30 minutes. The mixture was extracted with dichloromethane (3 times), the combined organic phase washed with water, brine, dried (MgSO₄), and concentrated to leave a red oil. The oil was triturated in ethyl acetate:hexanes and the solids were collected by filtration to give 0.95 g of a side product; mp 227°-228° C. (dec). The filtrate was concentrated to a viscous oil that was dissolved into chloroform and adsorbed into 9 g of flash SiO₂. This was introduced onto a column containing flash SiO.sub. 2 and the column was eluted with hexanes:ethyl acetate (95:5). Product fractions were pooled, concentrated, and triturated from isooctane to give 1.96 g (63%) of 2-bromo-1-methylindole-3-carboxylic acid, t-butyl ester [XXVIII: R₁ =H, R₂ =COO-t-butyl, R₃ =CH₃ ] as a white solid; mp 87°-88° C.

Analysis calculated for C₁₄ H₁₆ BrNO₂ requires: C, 54.21; H, 5.20; N, 4.52; Br, 25.76%.

Found: C, 54.28; H, 5.20; N, 4.49, Br, 25.83%.

An ice-cold suspension of 119 mg (1.5 mmol) of elemental selenium in 2 mL of THF under N₂ was treated dropwise with 1.1 mL of methyl lithium:lithium bromide complex (1.5M in ether). The flask was opened to the air and with a brisk stream of N₂, the resultant white suspension was warmed to ca. 85° C. to distill off the ether and most of the THF. The residual semi-solid was cooled in an ice bath and diluted with 1.5 mL of DMA followed by 155 mg (0.5 mmol) of 2-bromo-1-methylindole-3-carboxylic acid, t-butyl ester. The resultant solution was stirred at room temperature for 24 hours, cooled to 0° C., then treated with 2 mL of dilute acetic acid. The mixture was diluted with water and extracted with chloroform (3×10 mL). The combined extracts were washed with water (4 times), dried (Na₂ SO₄), and concentrated to leave a golden solid. The solid was suspended in 2.3 mL of 2:1 v/v HOAc:H₂ O and the suspension was treated with 154 mg of NaBO3.4H₂ O, then stirred at 25° C. for 30 minutes. The solids were collected by filtration, washed with water, and dried to leave 119 mg (77 %) of 2,2'-diselenobis [1-methyl-1H-indole-3-carboxylic acid, t -butyl ester] (129) [XXIX: R₁ =H, R₂ =COO-t-butyl, R₃ =CH₃ ]; mp 187°-189° C.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ8.13 (1H, dd, J=0.7, 7.9 Hz, H-4), 7.31-7.19 (3H, m, ArH), 3.63 (3H, s, NCH₃), 1.44 (9H, s, C (CH₃)₃).

Analysis calculated for C₂₈ H₃₂ N₂ O₄ Se₂.0.2H₂ O requires: C, 54.06; H, 5.25; N, 4.50%.

Found: C, 54.40; H, 5.48; N, 4.11%.

Compound 130 of Table 1

To an ice-cold solution of 4 mL of trifluoroacetic acid under nitrogen was added 420 mg (0.68 mmol) of 2,2'-diselenobis[1-methyl-1H-indole-3-carboxylic acid, t-butyl ester] (101) [XXIX: R₁ =H, R₂ =COO-t-butyl, R₃ =CH₃ ]. The suspension was maintained at 0° C. for 3 hours, then poured into ice water. The solids were collected by filtration, washed well with water, and dried to leave 361 mg of product; mp 165° C. (dec). The solids were suspended into 80 mL 10% aqueous NH₄ OH and the insolubles were removed by filtration. The filtrate was adjusted to pH 3 with 6N aqueous HCl, and the precipitated solids were collected by filtration, washed with water, and dried to leave 268 mg (78%) of 2,2'-diselenobis [1-methyl-1H-indole-3-carboxylic acid] (130) [XXIX: R₁ =H, R₂ =COOH, R₃ =CH₃ ]; mp 174° C. (dec) as an orange solid.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ12.35 (1H, s, CO₂ H), 8.04 (1H, d, J=7.9 Hz, H-4), 7.56 (1H, d, J=8.4 Hz, H-7), 7.31-7.20 (2H, m, ArH), 3.63 (3H, s, NCH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₂₀ H₁₆ N₂ O₄ Se₂.0.1H₂ O requires: C, 47.28; H, 3.21; N, 5.51%.

Found: C, 47.20; H, 3.20; N, 5.12%.

Compound 131 of Table 1

A 25° C. suspension of 2.79 g (11 mmol) of 2-bromo-1-methylindole-3-carboxylic acid [XXVII: R₁ =H, R₃ =CH₃, X=Br] in 13 mL of 1,2-dichloroethane was treated dropwise with 2.41 mL (33 mmol) of thionyl chloride. The mixture was heated at 75° C. for 2 hours. The solution was concentrated to a solid which was co-evaporated once with dichloromethane. The solid was ice-cooled and treated rapidly with 26 mL of 40% aqueous methylamine. The bath was removed and the suspension was stirred at 25° C. for 2 hours. The solids were collected by filtration, washed well with water, and dried at 200 mm/70° C./12 hours over P₂ O₅ to leave 2.2 g (75%) of product; mp 154°-157° C. Recrystallization from MeOH provided 1.91 g of pure 2-bromo-1-methylindole-3-N-methylcarboxamide [XXX: R₁ =H, R₃ =CH₃, R₇ -H, R₈ =CH₃ ] as a beige solid; mp 159°-160° C. in three crops.

An ice-cold solution of lithium methyl selenide in 2 mL of DMA, made up as previously described from 237 mg (3 mmol) of elemental Se and 2.2 mL of methyllithium (1.5 M in ether) in 3 mL of THF, was treated with 267 mg (1.0 mmol) of 2-bromo-1-methylindole-3-N-methylcarboxamide [XXX: R₁ =H, R₃ =CH₃, R₇ =H, R₈ =CH₃ ]. The resultant solution was stirred at room temperature for 3.5 hours, cooled to 0° C., then treated with 5% aqueous HCl. The mixture was extracted with dichloromethane (2×10 mL), the combined extracts washed with water (2 times), then concentrated in vacuo to leave an oil that was dissolved in methanol. The solution was ice-cooled and treated with 113 μL of 30% aqueous H₂ O₂. After stirring for 10 minutes, the resultant suspension was filtered, and the solids were washed with 2-propanol and dried to leave 183 mg (67%) of 2,2'-diselenobis [N,1-dimethyl-1H -indole-3-carboxamide] (131) [XXIX: R₁ =H, R₂ =CONHCH₃, R₃ -CH₃ ] as a yellow solid; mp 225°-230° C. (dec).

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃ +(CD₃)₂ SO): δ7.97 (1H, d, J=7.9 Hz, H-4), 7.39-7.18 (3H, m, ArH), 6.84 (1H, s, NHCH₃), 3.85 (3H, s, indole NCH₃), 2.12 (3H, d, J=4.5 Hz, NHCH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₂₂ H₂₂ N₄ O₂ Se₂ 0.9H₂ O requires: C, 48.17; H, 4.37; N, 10.21%.

Found: C, 48.20; H, 4.22; N, 10.28%.

Compound 132 of Table 1

Similar reaction of 2-chloro-1-methylindole-3-carboxylic acid [XXVII: R₁ -H, R₃ =CH₃, X=Cl] with SOCl₂ as described in Example I and reaction of this with 3 equivalents of N,N-diethylethylenediamine in dichloromethane at 0° C. followed by workup gave 2-chloro-1-methylindole-3-N-(2-(diethylamino)ethyl)carboxamide [XXX: R₁ =H, R₆ =H, R₇ =(CH₂)₂ NEt₂, X=Cl] as a soft solid in 68% yield, used without further purification.

Treatment of this with lithium methyl selenide as described above gave 2,2'-diselenobis [N-[2-(diethylamino) ethyl]-1-methyl-1H-indole-3-carboxamide] (132) [XXIX: R₁ =H, R₂ =CONH(CH₂)₂ NEt₂,R₃ =CH₃ ] (68% yield); mp 128°-130° C. Reaction of the free base with excess hydrogen chloride in 2-propanol followed by concentration to an oil and crystallization at 25° C. gave the compound as a dihydrochloride salt (18% yield); mp 160°-164° C.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ10.13 (1H, S, ⁺ NH(CH₂ CH₃)₂), 8.14-8.11 (1H, m, CONH), 7.89 (1H, d, J=8.2 Hz, H-4), 7.57 (1H, d, J=8.4 Hz, H-7), 7.34-7.17 (2H, m, ArH), 3.63 (3 H, s, NCH₃ ), 3.17 -3.14 (2 H, m, CONHCH₂), 3.06-3.00 (4H, m, N(CH₂ CH₃)₂), 2.86 (2H, t, J=6.5 Hz, CONHCH₂ CH₂), 1.16 (6H, t, J=7.2 Hz, N(CH₂ CH₃)₂).

Analysis calculated for C₃₂ H₄₄ N₆ O₂ Se₂.2.0HCl.1.7H₂ O requires: C, 47.67; H, 6.18; N, 10.42; Cl⁻, 8.79%.

Found: C, 47.71; H, 6.12; N, 10.35; Cl⁻, 8.97%.

Compound 133 of Table 1

A mechanically stirred suspension of 15 g (83.5 mmol) of 2-chloroindole-3-carboxaldehyde [XXVI: R₁ =R₃ =H, X=Cl] (Schule, et al., Arch, Pharm. [Weinheim] 1972;305:523-533), 84 mL of 2-methyl-2-butene, and 200 mL of p-dioxane in an ice bath was treated with a solution of 40 g each of sodium chlorite and sodium dihydrogen phosphate monohydrate in 200 mL of water. The biphasic mixture was then stirred vigorously at 25° C. for 3.5 hours. An additional 16 g each of solid sodium chlorite and sodium dihydrogen phosphate monohydrate was added and the mixture was stirred for another 3.5 hours. The mixture was diluted with 350 mL of ethyl acetate and 200 mL of water. The layers were separated and the aqueous phase was extracted with 300 mL of ethyl acetate. The combined organic extracts were extracted with cold 2% aqueous NaOH (3×200 mL). The basic extracts were combined and acidified to pH 4 with 6N aqueous HCl. The precipitated solids were collected by filtration, washed well with water, and air dried overnight. The solids were dissolved in 150 mL of hot acetone and the solution was treated with 65 mL of hexane. After storage at 3° C. for 20 hours, the solids were collected by filtration, washed with cold acetone, and dried to leave 7.71 g of pure 2-chloroindole-3-carboxylic acid [XXVII: R₁ =R₃ =H, X=Cl] as an off-white solid; mp 181.5° C. (dec). Further processing of the filtrate as above afforded 2.41 g of a second crop; mp 179.5° C. (dec). Total yield 10.12 g (62%).

The acid chloride of 2-chloroindole-3-carboxylic acid [XXVII: R₁ =R₃ =H, X=Cl] was made via SOCl₂ as described above. Reaction of this with a saturated solution of anhydrous methylamine in THF at 0° C. gave 2-chloroindole-3-N-methylcarboxamide [XXX: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₆ =H, R₇ =CH₃, X=Cl]; mp 234-236° C. in 51% yield.

Reaction of this with lithium methyl selenide as described above gave 2,2'-diselenobis[N-methyl-1H-indole-3-carboxamide] (133) [XXIX: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₃ =CONHCH₃ ] (20% yield), mp 272°-275° C. (decorap).

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ12.36 (1H, s, indole NH), 7.83 (1H, d, J=7.7 Hz, H-4), 7.79 (1H, d, J=4.1, NHCH₃), 7.48 (1H, d, J=7.7 Hz, H-7), 7.16-7.07 (2H, m, ArH), 2.90 (3H, d, J=4.1 Hz, NHCH₃).

Analysis calculated for C₂₀ H₁₈ N₄ O₂ Se₂.0.9H₂ O requires: C, 46.15; H, 3.83; N, 10.76%.

Found: C, 46.08; H, 3.44; N, 10.45%.

Compound 194 of Table 1

The acid chloride of 2-chloroindole -3-carboxylic acid [XXVII: R₁ =R₃ =H, X=Cl] was made via SOCl₂ as described above. Reaction of this with 3 equivalents of N,N-diethylethylenediamine in ether as described above followed by workup gave 2-chloroindole-3-N-(2-(diethylamino) ethyl) carboxamide [XXX: R₁ =R₃ =R₆ =H, R₇ -(CH₂)NEt₂, X=Cl]; mp 99-108° C. in 38% yield.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ11.50 (1H, s, indole NH), 8.19 (1H, d, J=6.5 Hz, H-4), 7.33 (1H, d, J=8.4 Hz, H-7), 7.21-7.15 (3H, m, ArH and CONH), 3.54 (2H, q, J=5.3 Hz, CONHCH₂), 2.69 (2H, t, J=6.0 Hz, CONHCH₂ CH₂), 2.59 (4H, q, J=7.2 Hz, N(CH₂ CH₃)₂), 1.05 (6H, t, J=7.2 Hz, N(CH₂ CH₃)₂).

Reaction of this with lithium methyl selenide as described above gave 2,2'-diselenobis [N-[2-(diethylamino) ethyl]-1H-indole-3-carboxamide] (134 ) [XXIX: R₁ =R₃ =H, R₂ =CONH(CH₂)₂ NEt₂ ] (44% yield); mp 225°-226° C. (dec). Salt formation as above gave the compound as the dihydrochloride salt (85% yield); mp 257°-259° C. (dec).

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ12.75 (1H, s, indole NH), 10.08 (1H, s, ⁺ NH(CH₂ CH₃)₂), 8.09 (1H, t, J=5.7 Hz, CONH), 7.93 (1H, d, J=8.9 Hz, H-4), 7.51 (1H, d, J=6.8 Hz, H-7), 7.19-7.12 (2H, m, ArH), 3.78-3.73 (2H, m, CONHCH₂), 3.32 (2H, t, J=6.5 Hz, CONHCH₂ CH₂), 3.29-3.20 (4H, m, N(CH₂ CH₃)₂), 1.26 (6H, t, J=7.2 Hz, N (CH₂ CH₃)₂).

Analysis calculated for C₃₀ H₄₀ N₆ O₂ Se₂.2.0HCl.1.0H₂ O requires: C, 47.07; H, 5.79; N, 10.98; Cl⁻, 9.26%.

Found: C, 47.01; H, 5.70; N, 10.56; Cl⁻, 8.87%.

Compound 135 of Table 1

A mixture of 2.09 g (10 mmol) of 2-chloroindole-3-N-methylcarboxamide [XXX: R₁ =R₃ =R₆ =H, R₇ =CH₃, X=Cl], 1.72 g (10 mmol) of 2-diethylaminoethyl chloride hydrochloride (n=2, Q=Cl, R₈ =R₉ =Et), 7.5 g (23 mmol) of anhydrous cesium carbonate, 3 g of activated 3A molecular sieves, and 20 mL of acetone was stirred under nitrogen at 25° C. for 16 hours. The mixture was filtered over celite and the filtrate was concentrated to a solid that was partitioned between chloroform and water. The organic phase was dried (Na₂ SO₄) and concentrated to a residue that was crystallized from ethyl acetate:hexanes (5:8). The solids were collected and dried to leave 1.43 g of 2-chloro-1-[2-(diethylamino) ethyl] -N-methyl-1H-indole-3-carboxamide [XXX: R₁ =R₆ =H, R₃ =(CH₂)₂ NEt₂, R₇ =CH₃, X=Cl]; mp 103°-104° C., in 46% yield.

¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): δ8.24 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, H-4), 7.33-7.21 (3H, m, ArH), 6.35 (1H, s, CONHCH₃), 4.27 (2H, t, J=7.6 Hz, 1-NCH₂), 3.06 (3H, d, J=4.8 Hz, CONHCH₃), 2.73 (2H, t, J=7.5 Hz, 1-NHCH₂ CH₂), 2.62-2.55 (4H, m, N(CH₂ CH₃)₂), 1.02 (6H, t, J=7.0 Hz, N(CH₂ CH₃)₂).

Reaction of this with lithium methyl selenide as described above gave 2,2'-diselenobis [1-[2-(diethylamino) ethyl] -N-methyl-1H-indole-3-carboxamide] (135) [XXIX: R₁ =H, R₂ -CONHCH₃, R₃ -(CH₂)₂ NEt₂ ] (63% yield); mp 156°-157° C.

Analysis calculated for C₃₂ H₄₄ N₆ O₂ Se₂.0.5H₂ O requires: C, 54.01; H, 6.37; N, 11.81%.

Found: C, 54.14; H, 6.23; N, 11.54%.

EXAMPLE L Preparation of Compound 136 of Table 1 by the Method Outlined in Scheme 11

An ice-cold solution of 15 g (50 mmol) of the N-trifluoroacetamide of D-tryptophan, synthesized by methods previously outlined (J. Org. Chem. 1979;44:2805-2807) in 50 mL of THF under N₂ was treated sequentially with 7.1 g (52.5 mmol) of 1-hydroxybenzo-triazole then 10.83 g (52.5 mmol) of 1,3-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide. After 15 minutes, the solution was treated with 5.74 mL (52.6 mmol) of benzylamine. The solution was maintained at 0°-5° C. for 1 hour, then let warm to 25° C. overnight. The mixture was filtered and the collected solids were washed with ethyl acetate. The filtrate was concentrated to an oil that was dissolved in 250 mL of ethyl acetate. The solution was washed sequentially with 250 mL portions of 10% aqueous acetic acid, water, 5% aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate, water and brine, then dried (NaSO₄ ), and concentrated to a solid. Crystallization from 170 mL of 65:35 2-propanol:petroleum ether afforded 12.81 g (66% ) of (R)-N-(phenylmethyl)-α-[(trifluoroacetyl)amino]-1H-indole-3-propanamide [II: R₁ =H, R₂ =CH₂ CH(NHCOCF₃)CONHCH₂ Ph, R₃ =H] as an off-white solid which was used directly in the next reaction; mp 186°-188° C.

To an ice-cold solution of 10 g (25.7 mmol) of (R)-N-(phenylmethyl)-α-[(trifluoroacetyl)amino]- 1H-indole-3-propanamide [XXIX: R₁ =H, R₂ =CH₂ CH(NHCOCF₃)CONHCH₂ Ph, R₃ =H] in 70 mL of THF was added dropwise Se₂ Cl₂. The resultant deep red suspension was stirred at 0°-5° C. for 4 hours, then quenched with 300 mL of water. The solids were collected by filtration, washed well with water, and air dried to leave 12 g of impure product as an orange solid. A portion of this material (10.7 g) was dissolved in 100 mL of methanol and the solution under N₂ was cooled in an ice bath. Sodium borohydride (ca 1 g) was added portionwise until there was no more color discharge. The mixture was poured immediately into a N₂ purged separatory funnel containing 200 mL of ether. The mixture was diluted with 200 mL of water, the mixture shaken, and the phases separated. The aqueous layer was treated with a small portion of additional sodium borohydride, extracted again with ether, ice-cooled, then acidified to pH 1 with concentrated HCl. The aqueous phase was extracted twice with ethyl acetate, then the combined extracts were dried (MgSO₄) and filtered through a pad of flash silica gel. The filtrate was concentrated to leave 5.91 g of a foam that was dissolved in ca 40 mL of absolute ethanol. The solution was kept at 25° C. for several hours to initiate crystallization, then stored at 5° C. The solids were collected by filtration, washed with 2-propanol, and dried to leave 4.23 g of pure [R-(R*,R*)] -2,2'-diselenobis[N-(phenylmethyl)-α-[(trifluoroacetyl) amino]-1H-indole-3-propanamide] [XXIX: R₁ =H, R₂ =CH₂ CH(NHCOCF₃)CONHCH₂ Ph, R₃ =H], as a yellow powdery solid; mp 181°-185° C.

Analysis calculated for C₄₀ H₃₄ N₆ O₄ F₆ Se₂.H₂ O requires: C, 50.43; H, 3.81; N, 8.82%.

Found: C, 50.47; H, 3.57; N, 8.71%.

Further processing of the filtrate by chromatography over flash SiO₂, eluting first with dichloromethane then 7% ethyl acetate in dichloromethane, provided an additional 671 mg of product following crystallization; mp 180°-183° C.

A suspension of 233.5 mg (0.25 mmol) of this diselenide in 4.5 mL of dry absolute ethanol was treated with 95 mg (2.5 mmol) of sodium borohydride. The mixture was heated at reflux for 15 minutes, then treated with 95 mg of additional borohydride. The mixture was refluxed for 1.25 hours, then treated with a third 95 mg portion of borohydride. After refluxing for 30 minutes, the mixture was cooled to 25° C., diluted with methanol, and poured into an ice-cold stirring mixture of 6N HCl and ethyl acetate. The resultant mixture was stirred vigorously for 15 minutes, filtered, the phases separated, and the aqueous layer extracted once more with ethyl acetate. The combined ethyl acetate phases were then back extracted with 5% aq HCl (five times). The acidic aqueous layers were combined and diluted with an equal volume of ethyl acetate. While carefully monitoring the pH, the stirred solution was treated carefully with 10% aqueous NaOH until pH=9.5. The resultant yellow precipitate was collected by filtration, washed well with water, and dried to leave 90 mg of [R-(R*,R*)]-2,2'-diselenobis[α-amino-N-(phenylmethyl)-1H-indole-3-propanamide] (136) [XXIX: R₁ =H, R₂ =CH₂ CH(NH₂)CONHCH₂ Ph, R₃ =H], as a yellow powder; mp 172°-174° C.

¹ H NMR ((CD₃)₂ SO): δ11.62 (1H, s, NH), 8.23 (1H, t, J=5.1 Hz, NHCH₂), 7.61 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz, ArH), 7.38 (1H, d, J=8.2 Hz, ArH), 7.35-6.95 (7H, m, ArH), 4.20, 4.17 (2x1H, 2xdd, J=15.2, 5.8 Hz, NHCH₂), 3.46-3.40 (1H, br m, Ar-CH₂ CH), 3.04-2.98 (1H, br m, Ar-CH), 2.75-2.68 (1H, br m, Ar-CH), 1.70 (2H, br s, NH2).

Analysis calculated for C₃₆ H₃₆ N₆ O₂ Se₂.1.5H₂ O requires: C, 56.18; H, 5.11; N, 10.68%.

Found: C, 55.91; H, 4.72; N, 10.68%.

Processing of the ethyl acetate layer from the base treatment provided 15 mg of additional product; mp 165°-171° C. Total yield=105 mg (57%).

Compound 137 of Table 1

Starting from the N-trifluroracetamide of L-tryptophan (J. Org. Chem. 1979;44:2805-2807) and following the same procedures as outlined for the synthesis of compound 136 of Table 1, there was obtained [S-(R*, R*)]-2,2'-diselenobis[α-amino -N-(phenylmethyl)-1H-indole -3-propanamide] (137 ) [XXIX: R₁ =H, R₂ =CH₂ CH(NH₂)CONHCH₂ Ph, R₃ =H] as a yellow powder; mp 171° C. (dec).

BIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL EFFECTS Tyrosine Kinase Inhibition Assay and Growth Inhibition Effects On Cells in Tissue Culture

Table 2 provides representative data on inhibition of the epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase, and on cell growth inhibition.

In Table 2: No. is the compound number as recorded in Table 1.

IC50 (EGFR TK) is the concentration of drug necessary to reduce incorporation of P³² in GAT by 50%.

IC₅₀ (PDGFR TK) is the concentration of drug necessary to reduce incorporation of P³² in Glu-Tyr by 50%. IC50 growth Inhibition is (cell growth inhibition) is the concentration of drug necessary to reduce the cellular growth rate by 50%.

                  TABLE 2                                                          ______________________________________                                         IC.sub.50 Data for EGRF-R and PDGF-R                                           Inhibition and Cell Growth                                                     Inhibition for Selected Compounds                                              of Table 1                                                                     IC.sub.50 (μM) or                                                           % Inhibition                                                                   at 100 μM           Growth                                                  No.     EGRF-R        PDGF-R   Inhibition                                      ______________________________________                                          1      14.9          --                                                        2      26%           --                                                        3      43%           8.6%                                                      4      27%           --                                                        5      4%            --                                                        6      25            8.5%                                                      7      1.3           --       94                                               8      8.5           --                                                        9      52%           --       16                                              10      10%           --       34                                              11      24%           --                                                       12      3%            --                                                       13      43%           --                                                       14      22            --                                                       15      6.8           --                                                       16      23            --                                                       17      12.5%         --                                                       18      2%            9%                                                       19      10%           --                                                       20      9             --                                                       21      1.0           --       64                                              22      --            --                                                       23      --            --                                                       24      19%           --                                                       25      8.7           --                                                       26      23%           5%                                                       27      17.8          --       2.3                                             28      33            --                                                       29      8.3           --       25-100                                          30      9.3           --       8                                               31      35.5          --       1                                               32      34.5          4.7%     36                                              33      39            16.7%    3.0                                             34      38            12.8%    2.7                                             35      16.5          33.9%                                                    36      4.8           --       59                                              37      3.3           --                                                       38      36.5%         --       1.6                                             39      20.6          --       7.4                                             40      16.3%         --       5.2                                             41      8.4           --       >25                                             42      26%           --                                                       43      2.9           --                                                       44      16.6%         5%       2.4                                             45      1.6           --                                                       46      11.4%         --       2.7                                             47      0.85          --       6                                               48      35.5          --                                                       49      84.1          --                                                       50      16.0          62.6%                                                    51      7.0           --                                                       52      68.2          18.3%                                                    53      4.2           --                                                       54      29            20.6%                                                    55      44            --                                                       56      7.3           44.5%                                                    57      46%           14.5%                                                    58      68%           --                                                       59      30.5          11.4%                                                    60      53%           --                                                       61      37%           11%                                                      62      6.0           71%      5.3                                             63      60            --                                                       64      29            --                                                       65      17.8          --                                                       66      8.3           --                                                       67      18%           2%                                                       68      14%           --       1.8                                             69      55.6%         8.9%                                                     70      8.6           1%       12                                              71      20%           5%       52                                              72      47%           22%                                                      73      4.3           21%      9.3                                             74      23%           --                                                       75      6%            3%       4                                               76      7%            19%      22                                              77      9%            1%                                                       78      27%           7%                                                       79      11%           20%      1.9                                             80      0%            16%                                                      81      3.6           2%       17                                              82      6.5           --       24                                              83      22.3          57%      10                                              84      35%           22%                                                      85      8%            7%                                                       86      4.9           5%                                                       87      34%           44%                                                      88      54            51%                                                      89      11.4          3%                                                       90      26            36.5                                                     91      5.2           --                                                       92      --            --                                                       93      30%           --                                                       94      --            --                                                       95      9.4           --                                                       96      --            --                                                       97      10.1          28.1     1.8                                             98      1.5           9%       5-12                                            99      40            19%      2.8                                             100     18%           23%                                                      101     5.5           --                                                       102     6.1           --                                                       103     7%            --       3.8                                             104     20%           --                                                       105     16.9          33%                                                      106     34%           --                                                       107     12.0          --                                                       108     20%           --                                                       109     47            8%                                                       110     13            --                                                       111     5.3           76%                                                      112     10.0          69%                                                      113     5%            29%                                                      114     42.9          7.0                                                      115     26            19.7     >50                                             116     4%            7.9                                                      117     25%           4.2                                                      118     4.7           78%                                                      119     21.2          73%                                                      120     6.9           --                                                       121     5.6           --                                                       122     51%           --                                                       123     --            --                                                       124     --            --                                                       125     78%           --                                                       126     60%           --                                                       127     6.8           --                                                       128     --            --                                                       129     31%           --                                                       130     3.5           --                                                       131     5.8           --       5.5                                             132     4.7           --       20                                              133     13.0          --       <5                                              134     4.6           --       8                                               135     6.9           --                                                       136                                                                            137                                                                            ______________________________________                                    

EGF Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Assay

Membrane vesicles were prepared by the method described in Cohen S, Ushiro H, Stoscheck C, and Chinkers M. A native 170,000 epidermal growth factor receptor-kinase complex from shed plasma membrane vesicles, J. Biol. Chem. 1982;257:1523-1531, and kept frozen at -90° C. until use. At the time of assay, membranes were solubilized in 4% Triton X-100 and glycerol. The reaction is carried out in wells of a 96-well microtiter plate in a total volume of 125 L. Buffer containing 20 mMHepes (pH 7.4), 15 mMMgCl₂, mM MnCl₂, and 0.02% BSA followed by 5 to 20 mg of membrane protein and 150 ng of epidermal growth factor. The plates are incubated for 10 minutes at room temperature to activate the receptor kinase. 20 g of GAT (random polymer of glycine, alanine, and tyrosine) and 0.2 mCi of α-[P³² ] ATP plus or minus compound are added and incubated 10 minutes at room temperature. The reaction is stopped by addition of 125 mL of 30% TCA, precipitate washed twice with 200 mL of 15% TCA on 0.65 micron filters, and the filters counted by scintillation spectrometry.

PDGF Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibition Assay

Recombinant baculovirus containing human PDGF β receptor intracellular tyrosine kinase domain was used to infect SF9 cells to overexpress the protein, and cell lysates were used for the assay. The ability of the tyrosine kinase to phosphorylate glutamate tyrosine substrate in the presence of P³² -ATP and inhibitor was measured by counting the incorporation of P³² in Glu-Tyr in TCAprecipitable material.

Table 2 provides representative data on inhibition of the PDGF receptor tyrosine kinase. In Table 2, No. refers to the compound number as recorded in Table 1.

DETAILED STUDIES ON THE BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF COMPOUNDS 21 AND 70 Effects on Cells in Tissue Culture

Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts, that were growth arrested in serum-free media for 24 hours, were exposed to various concentrations of compound for 2 hours. The cells were then exposed to individual growth factors for 5 minutes and proteins that were phosphorylated on tyrosine in response to the mitogens and were detected by Western blotting techniques using phosphotryosine antibodies. Similar techniques were used for tumor cell lines except the time in serum-free media was increased.

At concentrations of 10 to 50 mM, Compound 21 suppressed: (1) EGF mediated phosphorylation of a variety of endogenous proteins; (2) PDGF mediated autophosphorylation of the PDGF receptor as well as PDGF mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of other endogenous proteins and; (3) bFGF mediated tyrosine phosphorylation. 70 was more selective and inhibited only bFGF mediated tyrosine phosphorylation and at concentrations as low as 2 mM.

Effects on Growth Factor Mediated Mitogenesis

Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts, that were growth arrested in serum-free media for 24 hours, were exposed to various concentrations of compound for 2 hours. The cells were then exposed to individual growth factors for 24 hours and mitogenesis assessed by measuring tritiated thymidine incorporation into DNA.

The concentration of 21 and 70 required to inhibit growth factor mediated mitogenesis by 50% for the following growth factors was as follows:

    ______________________________________                                         Growth Factor                                                                               IC.sub.50 (μM) for 21                                                                    IC.sub.50 (μM) for 70                             ______________________________________                                         EGF           2           3                                                    PDGF          8           4                                                    bFGF         13           3                                                    serum        19           3                                                    ______________________________________                                    

Growth Inhibition Assay

Swiss 3T3 mouse fibroblasts were maintained in dMEM/F12 media containing 10% fetal calf serum. Two mL of cells at a density of 1×104/mL were placed in 24-well plates plus or minus various concentrations of the inhibitor. The cells were grown at 37° C. under 5% CO₂ for 72 hours and then counted by Coulter counter. The data were expressed as the concentration of inhibitor necessary to decrease the growth rate by 50%.

Compound 21 was growth inhibitory for a variety of human tumor cell lines as well as the Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts. The concentration of 21 necessary to inhibit cell growth by 50% is shown below:

    ______________________________________                                         Cell Line         IC.sub.50 (μM)                                            ______________________________________                                         MDA 468 breast    43                                                           A431 epidermoid   62                                                           A549 lung         30                                                           MDV-7 breast      39                                                           MDA-231 breast    15                                                           Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts                                                                            64                                                           HT-29 colon       55                                                           ______________________________________                                    

Although the carboryl containing structures are among the most active enzyme inhibitors, they are poorly transported into the cell, whereas the less active esters are transported efficiently and once in the cytoplasm rendered highly active by esterases. Esters may, therefore, be more favorable than carboxylic acids in this invention.

The data of Table 2 show that the 2-thioindoles of general Formula I listed in Table 1 include compounds which are active as potent inhibitors of protein tyrosine kinases and as cytotoxic agents.

The invention is not limited to the particular embodiments shown and described herein, since various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. 

We claim:
 1. 2-Selenoindole, 2-indolineselenone and selenide compounds of the group represented by the general Formulas I and XXXII ##STR17## and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein R₁ is a member selected from H, halogen, R, OH, OCOR, OR, CF₃, NO₂, NH₂, NHR, COOH, CONHR, (CH₂)_(n) OH, (CH₂)_(n) OR, (CH₂)_(n) NH₂, (CH₂)_(n) NHR, and (CH₂)_(n) NRR, and further represents replacement in the ring of 1 or 2 ring methine (--CH═) atoms with aza (--N═) atoms;R₂ is a member selected fromC₂₋₄ alkyl, (CH₂)_(n) COOH, (CH₂)_(n) COOR, (CH₂)_(n) COR, (CH₂)_(n) SO₂ R, (CH₂)_(n) SO₂ NRR, (CH₂)_(n) SO₂ NHR, CH═CHCOOH, ##STR18## (CH₂)_(n) CONH₂, (CH₂)_(n) CONHR, (CH₂)_(n) CONRR, (CH₂)_(n) CONHCH₂ Ph, CONHR, CONRR, CONHPh, COY, COPhCOOH, COPhCOOR, (CH₂)_(n) CONHPh, (CH₂)_(n) CONHPhR, SO₂ Y; n is an integer from 1 to 4; R is lower alkyl; R₃ is a member selected from H, lower alkyl, and benzyl; Y represents a benzene, pyridine, thiophene, furan, thiazole, or imidazole ring optionally substituted with a lower alkyl, COOH, OH, OCOR, NH₂, CONHR, CONRR, OR, or NHR group; and R₄ represents SeH, Se_(o) X, and Se_(o) Q where o is 1, 2, or 3, X is a member selected from H, lower alkyl, benzyl, and benzene, pyridine, thiophene, furan, thiazole, and imidazole rings, and Q is another 2-selenoindolyl moiety of Formula I.
 2. A selenide compound according to claim 1 selected from
 2. 2'-diselenobis[1-methyl-1H -indole-3-carboxylic acid, t-butyl ester],2,2'-diselenobis[1-methyl-1H-indole-3-carboxylic acid], 2,2'-diselenobis[N,1-dimethyl-1H-indole-3-carboxamide], 2,2'-diselenobis[N-[2-(diethylamino)ethyl]-1-methyl-1H-indole-3-carboxamide], 2,2'-diselenobis[N-methyl-1H-indole-3-carboxamide], 2,2'-diselenobis[N-[2-(diethylamino)ethyl]-1H-indole-3-carboxamide], 2,2'-diselenobis[N-[2-(diethylamino)ethyl]-N-methyl-1H-indole -3-carboxamide], 2,2'-diselenobis[1-[2-(diethylamino)ethyl]-N-methyl-1H-indole-3-carboxamide], [R-(R*,R*)]-2,2'-diselenobis[α-amino -N-(phenylmethyl)-1H-indole-3-propanamide], or [S-(R*,R*)]-2,2'-diselenobis[α-amino-N -(phenylmethyl)-1H -indole-3-propanamide]and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 3. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a therapeutically effective amount of a compound selected from 2-selenoindole, 2-indolineselenone, and selenide compounds represented by the general Formulas I and XXXII and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, whereinR₁ is a member selected from H, halogen, R, OH, OR, CF₃, NO₂, NH₂, NHR, COOH, CONHR, (CH₂)_(n) NRR, and further represents replacement in the ring of 1 or 2 ring methine (--CH═) atoms with aza (--N═) atoms; R₂ is a member selected fromC₂₋₄ alkyl, (CH₂)_(n) SO₂ NRR, (CH₂)_(n) SO₂ NHR, CH═CHCOOH, ##STR19## (CH₂)_(n) CONH₂, (CH₂)_(n) CONHR, (CH₂)_(n) CONRR, (CH₂)_(n) CONHCH₂ Ph, CONHR, CONRR, CONHPh, COY, COPhCOOH, COPhCOOR, (CH₂)_(n) CONHPh, (CH₂)_(n) CONHPhR, SO₂ Y; n is an integer from 1 to 4; R is lower alkyl; R₃ is a member selected from H, lower alkyl, and benzyl; Y represents a benzene, pyridine, thiophene, furan, thiazole, or imidazole ring optionally substituted with a lower alkyl, COOH, OH, OCOR, NH₂, CONHR, CONRR, OR, or NHR group; and R₄ represents SeH, Se_(o) X, and Se_(o) Q where o is 1, 2, or 3, X is a member selected from H, lower alkyl, benzyl, and benzene, pyridine, thiophene, furan, thiazole, and imidazole rings, and Q is another 2-selenoindolyl moiety of Formula I.
 4. The compound of claim 1 having the name [R-(R*, R*)]-2,2'-diselenobis[α-amino-N-(phenylmethyl )-1H-indole-3-propanamide].
 5. The compound of claim 1 having the name [S-(R*,R*)]-2,2'-diselenobis[α-amino-N-(phenylmethyl) -1H-indole-3-propanamide].
 6. The compound of claim 1 having the name 2,2'-diselenobis[1-methyl-1H-indole-3-carboxylic acid, t-butyl ester].
 7. The compound of claim 1 having the name 2,2'-diselenobis[1-methyl-1H-indole-3-carboxylic acid].
 8. The compound of claim 1 having the name 2,2'-diselenobis[N,1-dimethyl-1H-indole-3-carboxamide].
 9. The compound of claim 1 having the name 2,2'-diselenobis [N-[2-(diethylamino)ethyl -1-methyl-1H-indole-3-carboxamide].
 10. The compound of claim 1 having the name 2,2'-diselenobis[N-1-methyl-1H-indole -3-carboxamide].
 11. The compound of claim 1 having the name 2,2'-diselenobis[N-[2-(diethylamino)ethyl]-1H-indole-3-carboxamide].
 12. The compound of claim 1 having the name 2,2'-diselenobis[N-[2-(diethylamino)ethyl]-N-methyl-1H-indole -3-carboxamide].
 13. The compound of claim 1 having the name 2,2'-diselenobis[1-[2-(diethylamino)ethyl]-N-methyl-1H-indole-3-carboxamide].
 14. A method for treating breast, epidermoid, lung and colon tumors in a mammal, comprising administering to said mammal a pharmaceutical composition according to claim
 3. 